Philippines ready to host Special Olympics Asia-Pacific 3x3 tilt

By Edwin Rollon

The Philippines is ready to host the inaugural Special Olympics Asia-Pacific 3x3 Basketball Competition, bringing together more than 400 athletes, coaches and personnel from 12 countries on December 5 to 9 at the Parañaque Sports Complex.

Special Olympics Pilipinas, headed by Chief Executive and Olympian Akiko Thompson-Guevarra, is preparing eight Philippine teams—four in the traditional division and four in the mixed event—as the country seeks a strong finish in its first hosting of the regional competition.

Multi-titled cycling legend Marites Bitbit and fellow Sports Development Specialist Ethel Tan said preparations are in full swing, with athletes undergoing selection and training ahead of the tournament.

“First time natin mag-host kaya naman talagang puspusan yung ginagawa nating elimination and preliminaries to come out with the best teams. They undergo training, and right now, maganda naman yung progress ng kanilang training,” said Bitbit, known as the “Queen of Mountain Bike” during her international cycling career.

Beyond competition, the event, carrying the theme “Different Abilities, One Winning Spirit,” aims to promote inclusion and challenge discrimination against people with intellectual disabilities.

Tan said Special Olympics Pilipinas continues to reach out to communities to encourage families to let their loved ones participate in sports and lead more active lives.

“Marami pa rin sa atin na itinatago ang ganitong sitwasyon sa pamilya, yung iba naman nagiging biktima ng mga tuksuhan kaya subject to ridicule,” Tan said during the Tabloids Organization in Philippine Sports, Inc. (TOPS) “Usapang Sports” forum at the Philippine Sports Commission Conference Room.

“Kaya kami, nagbabahay-bahay din kami sa mga communities para mapaliwanagan yung mga pamilya. Ilabas ninyo sila at hayaang mamuhay ng normal,” she added in the foum backed by the Philippine Sports Commission, Behrouz Persina Cuisine and Pocari Sweat.

One example of the program’s impact is 30-year-old Fourth Jambalos, a Special Olympics Pilipinas athlete who has competed in bocce and marathon running, winning several running events. He also previously worked at Southstar Drug and has produced more than 100 pieces of artwork.

“I also played bocce and marathon. I won many times in running, and I was once employed at Southstar Drug Store. I am also into arts. I have over 100 pieces of art in our home,” said Jambalos, who serves as a Health Messenger for the organization.

Bitbit said helping athletes with intellectual disabilities develop their skills and confidence has given her a different sense of fulfillment from her accomplishments in competitive cycling.

“Pag nakita mo silang masaya while training at after the training, iba ang pakiramdam. I love to help our able athletes rise to a competitive level, pero iba yung fulfillment na nararamdaman ko sa piling ng mga atleta ito,” she said.

Organizers hope the December 5-9 competition will not only showcase the athletes’ basketball skills but also strengthen public awareness of their abilities, promote acceptance and encourage more families to embrace inclusive sports.