COUNTRY'S PRIDE. The cities of Sipalay and Victorias in Negros Occidental post congratulatory messages on Facebook to their very own para-athletes Achelle Guion and Ariel Joseph Alegarbes who won medals in recent international competitions. Guion bagged two gold medals during the 2022 World Para Powerlifting African Championships held in Cairo, Egypt, while Alegarbes bagged the silver in the Men’s 50-meter backstroke para-swimming in the ongoing Virtus Oceania Asia Games 2022 in Brisbane, Australia.
(Images courtesy of Sipalay City and Victorias City, Negros Occidental)
BACOLOD CITY – The cities of Victorias and Sipalay in Negros Occidental have taken pride in their homegrown para-athletes who won medals anew in international competitions.
On Wednesday, the Philippine Sports Commission said Ariel Joseph Alegarbes of Victorias City won the silver in the Men’s 50-meter backstroke para-swimming in the ongoing Virtus Oceania Asia Games 2022 in Brisbane, Australia, while Achelle Guion of Sipalay City pocketed two gold medals during the 2022 World Para Powerlifting African Championships held in Cairo, Egypt from Oct. 27 to 30.
Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez said the 18-year-old Alegarbes is the first athlete from Negros Occidental to have competed in the said swimming event, making his hometown even prouder of his achievement.
“To our city’s pride, I am sending my utmost congratulations. To set this momentous feat is a great manifestation of the distinct Filipino and Victoriahon qualities of worldwide title holders. Proud is truly an understatement. Thank you for bringing great honor to the city,” he added.
In August this year, Alegarbes, who has ADHD with learning disability and dyslexia, won three gold medals in record-breaking fashion during the 11th Asean Para Games in Indonesia.
Meanwhile, the city government of Sipalay led by Mayor Maria Gina Lizares congratulated Guion for bagging two gold medals in the Cairo games.
The veteran powerlifter, 50, took home the awards for best lift and best total lift up to 45 kg. in the Legend Category.
Earlier, Lizares turned over a PHP30,000 check for Guion, through her sister Yvette Guion, as a gesture of support from the city government.
Guion, whose impairment is due to polio, is from Barangay San Jose in the southern Negros city, but now resides in Cainta, Rizal. (PNA)
