FIRST PERSON
A Different Winner
The ASEAN ParaGames gold medalist reveals how he maneuvered his way to the top
By Jericho Opeña as told to Heidi R. Pascual; Photographs by Jovel Lorenzo
The only time I took sports very seriously was when I got chosen to represent the country in the first ASEAN ParaGames back in 2001 which was held at Malaysia. Before, my dream was to be part of the wheelchair basketball team, but since there was a scarcity of players in the field sports, I decided to give up my slot and try my luck in the shotput, discus, and javelin events. And indeed, I got lucky.
On my first and second time to participate in the ParaGames, I was able to bring home bronze medals in the shotput event. That was in 2001 and 2002, respectively. And for the third, I got a gold in shotput and discus, at silver naman sa javelin.
I was really ecstatic when I won at the last games not only because it was my time to bag gold medals, but also because I got them here in the country—in front of the home crowd.
To win was really a daunting task since our time to prepare wasn't really that long and competition was really strong. We only trained for a month and a half. For the first month, we practiced for about three times a week, and it was just two weeks before the games that we began to train everyday. Mornings were allotted for our workout and stretching, and in the afternoons, we learned the throwing techniques. Weight training on the other hand was done twice a week for three hours. And at that time, everything went really fast.
There were four of us who were pitted against each other during the last ParaGames. On the first round for the shotput event, I was in the running just for the bronze medal. At the second, my stance was still the same, but it was on the final round that I finally gave it my all. When I won, I almost shouted. All my teammates were cheering and congratulating me. Masasabi ko na isa ito sa pinakamasayang araw ng buhay ko. Sobrang nagpapasalamat ako sa mga coplayers ko because they inspired me to do my best and they gave me all the support that I needed.
Right now, I just want to concentrate in the field events. I got my luck here so hopefully my luck will continue. This month, I will start training again for the 9th Far East and South Pacific Games for the Disabled (FESPIC) Games which will be held at Malaysia on September, where there will be more competing countries. It is my wish that I could give more gold medals and glory to the country.
I work as a ticketing cashier for the Philippine Racing Commission. For one week, I stay at San Lazaro and the next week, sa Sta. Ana naman ako. I got the job after graduation when one of my classmates recommended me to work there, and I've been doing this job for three years now. Nakaka-survive naman ako kahit papaano. If you ask if I bet, well, I do but I don't bet as much because I'm not really interested in gambling.
When I don't have work, I practice. I use the shotput equipment that I borrowed from the Philippine Sports Association for the Differently-Abled (PHILSPADA). And I'm also part of the Quezon City Federation where I spend one day of the entire week to join meetings and livelihood workshops, like learning how to fix wheelchairs and appliances. When my wife Ruth and I have time, we go to visit her parents or my family in the province.
My wife Ruth has been my constant companion and inspiration in all the things I do. We've been married for more than a year now, but we've been a couple for five years. We share a lot of things together since she's also an athlete. Sometimes, we practice together or minsan naman, sinasamahan ko siya. Sa track siya at nanalo na siya ng silver and bronze, and I'm really proud of her.
I got sick with polio when I was two-years-old, but that didn't make me indulge in self-pity. Early on, I already accepted the fact that I will be differently-abled for the rest of my life, and that compelled me to prove myself and to succeed in all my endeavors.
When I was growing up, my parents were really supportive, but I still decided to live by myself because I wanted to feel my independence, and also because I wanted to finish college. When I left home, I was 15-years old then. I entered an institution at the National Orthopedic Hospital where I was able to study and finish high school. For my college degree, I was granted sponsorship from CIGI.
I would say that things were difficult at first because I missed my family. At that time, I was so sad and I often thought of wanting to go back, but I knew that trying things on my own would be beneficial for me in the future. I had no choice but to overcome my sadness. Good thing was that I had a lot of support from people who are also differently-abled so being with people like me gave me the courage to move forward.
As I look back now, I don't regret anything. I'm really proud of myself for learning how to be on my own. I consider being self-sufficient as my biggest achievement.
Young people who are differently-abled shouldn't think that they don't have the capacity to be successful in life. They can still live for themselves if they really put their hearts and minds into achieving their personal goals. All the differently-abled, whether young or old, should get the strength from within themselves. And of course, they shouldn't forget about the Lord. They should be thankful for the gift of life.
I believe that one cannot measure the capacity of a person. Until we're alive, there's hope. One should never lose hope. Basta malakas ang paniniwala sa Diyos, anyone can conquer and reach anything.
For the parents of the differently-abled, they should give support and encouragement to what their children want to achieve. Self-pity is the number one enemy of the differently-abled, so love and guidance at home is a must. I'm really grateful because my parents were really supportive of me. Even when I was away from home, they would visit me often to see how I was doing. I owe a lot to my parents. I owe them my life. Even if I'm different from the rest, I am thankful that I'm given this opportunity to experience what life is all about. That is the most important thing.
» Guy Wisdom archive
Men's Health Philippines - March 2006 Issue
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Self-pity is the number one enemy of the differently-abled so love and guidance at home is a must.
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