A bunch of youngsters carved out sterling performance in their categories in the recently-concluded 2016 BC Summer Games held in Abbotsford, British Columbia.
Ramon Julian Siytangco had a big splash after capturing four silvers and a bronze for a total of five medals out of seven events he participated in Paralympics Swimming.
The 15-year old lad grabbed the second pennant in mixed gender 150/200 individual medley, mixed gender 50/100 butterfly, mixed gender 50/100 backstroke and mixed gender 200/400 m freestyle with a time of 3:29.15, 1:38.51, 1:36.86 and 3:05.99, respectively.
Likewise, the eldest among the brood of two, pocketed bronze in 50 m freestyle event of the annual tilt showcasing the athleticism of British Columbians.
According to his dad, Ramon III and his wife Cora, their main goal is to see their child beat his own time every year he competes.
The Grade 10 student of Mediated Learning Academy, didn’t disappoint his parents after a vastly improve performance each year.
“We can’t ask for more, were so happy with his (Ramon Julian) performance especially seeing him participate in different categories every year and were satisfied with that, “ says Ramon III, who incidentally is the son of former presidential spokesperson, Deedee Siytangco during the Cory Aquino administration.
Monchu, as he is fondly called by his family and friends, started to compete in 2011. His involvement in this kind of sports discipline came after a friend’s spirited encouragement, according to his dad.
“We met a Filipino some years ago and that inspires us to put Monchu in swimming ,” he added.
This year marks the second time Monchu joined BC Summer Games. Back in 2014 he competes in Special Olympics in Nanaimo, BC , while this year’s edition he participated in Paralympics.
Monchu acquired autism at a young age of two, but with high functioning diagnostic, meaning his reaction to what the person are trying to tell him is still intact.
His teacher in pre-school discovered Monchu’s intellectual disability while mingling with other kids on a day-to-day basis.
Monchu’s parents immediately seek medical advice from specialist.
Meanwhile, Reyjohn Fortaleza, son of PNT publisher Rey, hits a bit of glory after gaining bronze medal as member of Fraser River Zone 4 team.
The Fraser River Zone 4 batters started their campaign on a high note after thrashing the Thompson-Okanagan team to the tune of 6-1. Fortaleza highlighted the win after scoring a well-deserved run.
The youngest among the three siblings, Reyjohn, has been playing this sport for the past four years and he seems enjoying it judging by his performance, where he batted a homer against Penticton Team, while playing for Surrey Cardinals back in 2012.
In hoop events, Rowel Acena , took home gold as member of boy’s basketball team, sweeping all their five games with an average margin of double digits.
Jenina Pascua, wrestled her way almost to the top after securing silver medal in girl’s 47k category