Team Philippines in the Special Olympics Asia-Pacific badminton competition (Contributed photo)
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — The Philippines delivered a stellar performance at the Special Olympics Asia-Pacific (SOAP) badminton competition, bringing home a haul of medals from the September 17–20 tournament at Stadium Juara.
Leading the charge for Special Olympics Pilipinas (SOP) was Nikki dela Cruz, who bagged two gold medals. Dela Cruz swept the field in the women’s singles Division 2, defeating shuttlers from Indonesia, Thailand, and Pakistan. She then partnered with Joanna Duron to rule the unified women’s doubles Division 2, completing her golden double.
John Dave Floranda added another gold for the delegation after dominating the men’s singles Division 3, sealing victory with a clean 2-0 win against his Maldivian opponent.
The Philippines also pocketed two silver medals, courtesy of Arjay Elunan and Henry Wales in the unified men’s doubles Division 3, and Marcus Palomares with Robin Conanan in the unified men’s doubles Division 2. Rounding out the podium finishes was Jasmin Mojica, who clinched bronze in the women’s singles Division 1.
Beyond the medalists, several Filipinos earned ribbons of excellence for top-five finishes: Floranda and Wales (men’s doubles Division 1), Palomares (men’s singles Division 2), Mojica, and Angel Sabud (women’s doubles Division 1).
SOP national president and former Olympian Akiko Guevarra lauded the team’s triumph. “Our athletes did not just win medals; they won hearts. Every smash, every rally, and every comeback showed the world what inclusion truly looks like. This campaign proves that Filipinos with intellectual disabilities are champions—not just in sports, but in life,” Guevarra said.
The SOAP badminton tilt drew 123 athletes from 10 Asia-Pacific nations, underscoring the region’s growing commitment to inclusive sports.