Raising the flag and promoting inclusivity and diversity through sports.
This as the Philippines’ men’s and women’s wheelchair basketball national teams, Pilipinas Warriors and Lady Warriors, showcased their grit and power in the hard court during Cavite State University’s (CvSU) exhibition game dubbed “Wheel Power: The Basketball Battle” held on July 30, 2024 at the De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute (DLSMHSI) Animo Center in Dasmariñas, Cavite.
The said event aims to promote inclusivity and diversity by providing a platform for persons with disabilities (PWDs) to demonstrate their skills and talents. It also seeks to create opportunities for collaboration between various stakeholders, including sports organizations, disability advocacy groups, and sponsors.
During the main event, the playing teams from the Pilipinas Warriors and Lady Warriors clashed in the 5×5 and 3×3 basketball, respectively, before a crowd composed of members of advocacy groups, and officials and staff from Cavite State University (CvSU), DLSMHSI, and local government units.
The activity also showcased the stories and talents of the members of the Kabite Singing Ambassadors for Disability Inclusion and Mr. Prince Zyren A. Manalo, a student from Biñan Elementary SPED School, who gave special performances during the program.
Before the tipoff, President Dr. Hernando D. Robles welcomed the guests and participants and reiterated the university’s commitment to continue its programs and initiatives for PWDs in partnership with local government units and other partner institutions.
Meanwhile, DLSMHSI President Dr. Antonio B. Ramos talked about drawing inspiration from para athletes, and seeing this event as a learning experience for the whole community.
Moreover, national team head coach Vernon Perea gave an orientation about wheelchair basketball and shared the journey of the country’s men’s and women’s wheelchair basketball teams. The men’s team recently won silver at the 2024 SEA Region 3×3 Wheelchair Basketball Championship in Indonesia.
This event was made possible through the collaboration of CvSU Gender and Resource Center; CvSU College of Sports, Physical Education, and Recreation; CvSU Dasmariñas Learning Center; DLSMHSI Diversity and Inclusivity Unit; Philippine Wheelchair Basketball Federation, Inc.; Office of the Provincial Persons with Disability Affairs Officer – Cavite; Provincial Health Office – Cavite; Center for Health Development Calabarzon; Office of the Provincial Information Officer; Kan-Life Rehabilitation Center; Chowking – Trece Martires City; Kabite Singing Ambassadors for Disability Inclusion; and Mr. Manalo from Biñan Elementary SPED School.
