Sibling Gold. Jolina and Jeremiah bravely conquered their disabilities to proudly wear four gold medals in the Special Events for Learners with Special Educational Needs (LSEN).
For most people watching, cheering and loving every single sports event of the CARAA Meet 2018, little do they know that special individuals are also struggling to win that most cherished medal that means the world to every athlete.
The Tundagui siblings of Easter College Baguio City are LSEN with Sign End Symptoms of being Intellectually Disable. Individuals with this condition talk late or have trouble with talking, have difficulty in remembering things and slow to master things. Yet in high level competitions they participated, the Tundaguis conquers all.
Among the participants of the Special Events for Learners with Special Educational Needs (LSEN) Girls 16 years old and above category, Jolina T. Tundagui grabbed gold medals for 100 meter dash, 200 meter dash, long jump and 4x100 meters relay. Her proud coach Ms. Congpay said that Jolina’s determination and hard work is next to none. Coupled with consistent practices every Saturdays, Jolina deserves her 4 gold medals.
Jolina’s 19 year old brother Jeremiah topped the 200 meter dash, 400 meter dash, long jump and 4x100 meters relay in the Boys 16 years old and above category. Like his sister Jeremiah is also a determined athlete. Moreover he also loves playing soccer and aspires to become one of the player for the national team. His Coach Mr. Basalie motivates him the more. Though he will not be in the soccer national team soon but he will be in a National level competition at the Palarong Pambansa the soonest with her sister and the rest of LSEN athletes who qualified in the different events.
With the achievements of Jolina and Jeremiah they showed that disabilities are never a hindrance to achieve one’s goals. Rather, it can become the strength to overcome all challenges that life could bring. The Tundagui siblings will again compete in their respective events at the Palarong Pambansa in Vigan City this coming April.
- EXUDOR ROSALES