By Edwin Rollon
Special Olympics Pilipinas (SOP) is ramping up efforts to promote inclusive sports as it strengthens its partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), highlighted by plans to host a major regional basketball tournament later this year.
SOP Chairperson Akiko Thompson-Guevara said the PSC, through Chairman Patrick ‘Pato’ Gregorio, has thrown its full support behind the country’s hosting of the Special Olympics Asia-Pacific 3x3 Basketball Tournament set from December 5 to 9. Around 300 delegates from 10 countries are expected to attend the event. This event marks the first time the Philippines will stage the competition, which features both traditional and unified divisions.
Traditional games involve athletes who are Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (PIDs), while unified basketball brings together PIDs and able-bodied players competing side by side.
“SOP is a Non-Government Organization and part of the global Special Olympics movement. We promise to provide year-round sports training and competitions for persons with intellectual disabilities,” said SOP National Director AA Galicia during the Tabloids Organization in Philippine Sports, Inc. (TOPS) 'Usapang Sports' forum at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
Thomson-Guevara underscored the importance of unified sports in breaking barriers.
“We host and participate in training and competitions year-round. One of our proudest moments last year was forming an all-women’s unified football team. This upcoming tournament will showcase unified basketball, where PIDs and typical athletes play together on the same team. It’s a very powerful experience,” said the three-time Olympian and SEA Games swimming champion.
Also present at the forum was SOP Asia-Pacific Chairperson Preethy Janarthajan, who expressed support for the Philippines’ hosting initiative.
The country will field eight teams—four each in the men’s and women’s divisions—for the tournament. Final selections will be determined through tryouts scheduled this April at the University of Makati.
Leading the Philippine campaign are Fourth Jambalos and Kamille Tingzon, a veteran of international competition.
“Just like any other athletes, we train hard and play hard. Sports allow us to showcase our skills and talents physically and mentally,” said Tingzon.
SOP also thanked key partners, including the Department of Education, various local government units, and private sponsors, for their continued support in advancing opportunities for Filipino athletes with intellectual disabilities.
Looking ahead, the organization is preparing to send a full national delegation to the 2027 Special Olympics World Games in Santiago, Chile.
"For them it is a wonderful event. The athletes are preparing it in a weekly basis every weekend year round. Ready for the elimination and selection rounds, so that we could tell the world that us, Filipinos, even with intellectual and development disabilities that we can do it, yes we can.", Galicia ended.
