ADELINE Dumapong, the first Filipina Paralympic bronze medalist, could not contain her emotions when she learned that she was nominated to be enshrined in the Philippine Sports Hall of Fame.
The multi-titled powerlifter, who gave the Philippines its first medal in the Paralympic Games in 2000, said that this is a reflection on how para athletes are revered and supported in the Philippines today.
“Never in my wildest dreams have I thought about it,” she said.
“It’s like, I know and I experienced how Paralympic sports started. Back then, 20 years ago, the narrative was always like, there’s no support, and there’s no funding. Now it is all different.”
Dumapong said that being included in the short list of legendary athletes in the Hall of Fame is something she will cherish in her life.
“We really come this far, and for me. ... Being part of the Hall of Fame is really mind-blowing for me. It’s like, is it really me? Personally, I have a great admiration for all those who are in the Hall of Fame already, and to be part of it, I am just very grateful,” she said.
Celebrating a legacy of excellence, seven icons who elevated the nation’s sporting stature will be inducted into the Philippine Sports Hall of Fame this year.
The fifth class of honorees also include Ramon Fernandez (basketball), Mansueto “Onyok” Velasco Jr. (boxing), Beatriz “Bea” Lucero-Lhuillier (gymnastics/taekwondo), Cecil Mamiit (tennis), Isidro del Prado (athletics), and Eduardo Alvir Pacheco (football/basketball).
Last March 30, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) also honored the legacy of Paralympians Ancheta and the late Josephine Medina as the commission displayed their memorabilia at the National Sports Museum in Pasig City.
“The truth is, we often forget Paralympians,” Dumapong said.
“By having this space dedicated for Paralympics is huge. When people visit and roam around in this area, they will remember that we, Paralympians, brought honor to the country.”