Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) board member Walter Torres, a longtime supporter of Para sports and an advocate for inclusion and wider opportunities for persons with disabilities (PWDs), helped organize a sporting event designed to welcome participants of different abilities.

The PSC Walk, Run & Roll was held on a drizzle-soaked Sunday morning at the University of the Philippines Diliman grounds, bringing together PWDs and other participants in an inclusive community sports event. As the government agency tasked with developing and promoting sports in the country, the PSC has also supported Para athletes who represent the Philippines in regional and international competitions.

Around 5,000 participants joined the event, which featured 10-kilometer (km), 5-km, 3-km and 1-km categories. Some of the categories included PWD participants.

“It was more than a ceremonial start. It was a powerful expression of unity, inclusion and our shared belief that sports is for everyone,” said Mr. Torres, an Olympian fencer.

Mr. Torres took part in the race alongside PSC Chair Patrick C. Gregorio and fellow commissioners Fritz Gaston and Bong Coo.

“At the PSC, we believe that inclusion is intentional, it is not an afterthought, it does not happen by chance, it is reflected with the opportunities we create, the barriers we removed and the spaces we opened so that every Filipino, regardless of ability, can participate with dignity and confidence,” Mr. Torres added.

Mr. Gregorio also expressed satisfaction with the turnout and the inclusive nature of the event.

“I’m very happy that our Walk, Run & Roll is very inclusive and we thank everyone for their support,” said Mr. Gregorio, who joined the 1-km race and was presented with a birthday cake.

Members of the Philippine Para team also attended, including Cendy Asusano, a multiple ASEAN Para Games gold medalist in throwing events. The participation of national Para athletes gave recreational participants a closer look at the country’s Para sports program, which includes athletes competing across several disciplines in the ASEAN Para Games.

Christine Hallasgo, the 2019 Southeast Asian Games marathon gold medalist, was also present and won the women’s 10-km event. — Joey Villar