By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter
FURTHER underscoring its commitment to championing inclusion in sports, and society in general, Citi Philippines recently unveiled a marketing campaign supporting the country’s para-athletes seeing action in next year’s ASEAN Para Games happening here.
Paralympic power lifter Adeline Dumapong-Ancheta and wheelchair racer Jerrold Mangliwan have been named as part of “Team Citi” — a diverse group of 41 Paralympic athletes from around the world, competing in 13 sports.
Ms. Dumapong-Ancheta and Mr. Mangliwan will be supported by Citi as they compete at the ASEAN Para Games from Jan. 15 to 20, 2020 at New Clark City in Tarlac, just as they serve as ambassadors of the company in its efforts to foster a more diverse, inclusive society and help change perceptions of persons with disabilities.
“Adeline and Jerrold are the embodiment of strength and courage in the face of adversity and are great ambassadors for Paralympic spot. We are deeply honored to have them as part of Team Citi. Together, we will increase awareness of Para sports and the need for greater inclusion of people with disabilities in our society,” said Citi Philippines Chief Executive Officer Aftab Ahmed during the launch of their marketing campaign on Monday at the 7107 Culture + Cuisine Restaurant at Treston International College, Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig.
For the campaign, the athletes’ images with the message “Greatness deserves attention” will be shown on Citi’s digital billboards and social media channels in the weeks leading up to the ASEAN Para Games.
Seeing the support that Citi is giving, Ms. Dumapong-Ancheta, long the face of the Paralympic movement in the country, said they are very thankful for the attention given to them while also expressing hope that more people get to pick up the cause towards widespread inclusiveness.
“This is a truly inspiring moment. When I started in this sport I didn’t dream of these opportunities. I am honored to be part of an elite group of para-athletes promoting the vision of a society that is inclusive of all. I am hopeful that together we can grow the reach of the Para sports and change mindsets about what disability means,” said Ms. Dumapong-Ancheta at the launch.
Ms. Dumapong-Ancheta won a bronze in her Paralympic debut in 2000 in Sydney and has won multiple medals since in various international competitions, including the Asian Games and ASEAN Para Games.
She is a prime mover for the local Paralympic movement which has gained a lot of headway in the last decade.
Citi partnered with the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) in December last year.
Since then it has been actively participating in many activities, and organizing its own, including here in the Philippines with the first “Lakad Para Atleta” in June in support of para-athletes.
