KUALA LUMPUR – Cendy Asusano, mother of a three-year-old girl, ruled her favorite event javelin throw F54/55 to give Philippines its first gold in the 9th ASEAN Para Games on Monday.
Asusano’s sterling performance of 13.04 meters was posted in her third attempt of the field event in athletics held at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil here.
It was a 1-2 finish for the Philippines in the event as Jesebel Tordecilla of Quezon province captured the silver with a hurl of 12.8 meters. Compatriot and veteran Marites Burce of Roxas, Isabela fell short of a grand slam after finishing fourth.
“Lagi lang ako nagdadasal na bigyan ako ng Panginoon ng lakas at sana magtagumpay [I always pray to God to give me strength and hopefully become triumphant],” said the teary-eyed Asusano, a native of Albay, Bicol and a newcomer of the games.
“Inaalay ko itong panalo ko, una sa Dios, sa ating bansa at pamilya ko [I offer this win to God, the country and my family],” said the 27-year-old Asusano, whose efforts is a testament to her dedication and perseverance in the sports which was introduced to her by fellow para athlete (wheelchair basketball) Shantal Mengarine.
“Gusto ko ipakita na kaya kahit may kapansanan ako [I can do it even when if I am differently abled],” said Asusano.
Asusano, who lives in Santo Rosario, Bulacan, also expressed gratitude to her parents, relatives, and friends who supported her during the course of her training since January this year.
Asusano is a double gold medalist (javelin and discuss throw events ) in the 2015 Philippine National Games (PNG), a sports program of Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the government sports body.
In the other athletic events, Jeanette Aceveda and Rosalie Torrefiel placed 4th and 5th, respectively in the women’s discus throw F12 while Bernie Bohol landed 5th in the men’s 100 meter T54. (PNA)
