Persons with disabilities from the different barangays converge at the Joaquin F. Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex (JFEMSC) in Baliwasan Friday, September 20, for the much anticipated 2nd Paragames de Zamboanga.
Intended to give PWDs the opportunity to express their capacity for resilience and showcase their talents, the Paragames 2024 featured a variety of competitions, including the 100-meter run, swimming races (50-meter and 100-meter), chess, goal ball for visual disability, and sitting volleyball.
Mayor John Dalipe, in a message read by City Sports Director Dr. Cevil Atilano affirmed his unrelenting support to the PWD sector of Zamboanga as he vowed to ensure that the group are given the same rights, choices and opportunities as the able-bodied individuals, in all aspects. He likewise promised PWD athletes the free use of government-owned sports facilities.
Meanwhile, winners in the 2024 Paragames de Zamboanga will have the chance of competing in the national Paragames slated in Manila in November. The games is pursuant to a city ordinance
The Paragames de Zamboanga was jointly organized by the Sports Division under the Office of the Mayor in collaboration with the City Social Welfare and Development Office – Persons with Disabilities Affairs Unit (PDAU).
Present during the opening program were Councilors Gerky Valesco and Fred Atilano, CSWDO head Ma. Soccoro Roxas, Assistant CSWD Officer Uldarico S. Fabian, ASEAN Paragames bronze medalist Muhaimin Ulag, chess player Francisco de los Santos, and Tournament directors (athletics) Alain Catis and Rene A. Sta Teresa. (Roselyn Bunot, Jamil Dari)
(Source: Cagayan de Oro City Information Office Facebook page)