by Kristel Satumbaga

Around 1,500 differently-abled athletes are expected to participate when the Philippine Sports Commission launches the inaugural 2019 Pilipinas Para Games in Benguet on May 9 to 11.

The three-day event serves as the successor to last year’s Differently-Abled Sports for Life (DAS4Life) program.

Unlike the citywide scope of the DAS4Life, the Pilipinas Para Games will now reach para-athletes from all parts of the nation.

Thirteen municipalities in Benguet will compete in eight sports namely chess, badminton, volleyball, powerlifting, table tennis, athletics and goal ball. Archery and wheelchair basketball will also be participated as demo sports.

According to PSC Oversight Commissioner for para-athletes Arnold Agustin, the addition of more sports events in the program hopes to encourage more para-athletes to join.

A coordination meeting was conducted between the PSC and the local government of Benguet last month in preparation for the games that is also in partnership with the Philippine Paralympic Committee (PPC).

Tags: Arnold Agustin , DAS4Life , Philippine Paralympic Committee , Philippine sports , Philippine Sports Commission , Pilipinas