The first batch of athletes left for Nakhon Ratchasima on Thursday, overflowing with confidence and determination to win in the 13th ASEAN Para Games that will start on Tuesday.

Composing the first wave of athletes who took a four-hour flight to Bangkok before boarding a four-hour bus ride to the northeast Thai province of Nakhon Ratchasima are para athletes of athletics, boccia, wheelchair fencing, cycling, swimming and judo.

Chief of mission Goody Custodio said leaving for Thailand early will help them acclimatize and prepare them physically and mentally for the tough grind ahead.

“I think the challenge there is the travel because there’s about a four-hour travel time. Based on the manual, it’s around 1.5 hours for the first stopover, then around two to two-and-a-half hours going to Korat,” Custodio said in a previous interview.

“There’s really travel fatigue. That’s why we only have a few days before the opening.”

“So, there’s really travel fatigue. That’s why we only have a few days before the opening.”

Custodio believes the para athletes will be more than motivated to give their all for the country after receiving their gear from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Philippine Paralympic Committee (PPC) that is similar to what other Filipino athletes received during the 33rd Southeast Asian Games last month.

“I think their strength is their high spirits and high morale because they just received these supplies, tickets, and allowances,” Custodio said.

“They are very proud to be a part of the ASEAN Para Games in Thailand and of course, they are very thankful to the PPC on behalf of Sir Mike Barredo, and of course, to the PSC under chairman Pato Gregorio, and our Commissioner-in-Charge, Commissioner Ed Hayco.”

Flag bearer and Paralympian Jerrold Mangliwan of wheelchair racing banners the Filipino delegation as well as Angel Otom and Gary Bejino of swimming and Cheyzer Mendoza and Darry Bernardo of chess.

The Philippines aims to surpass its previous medal tally of 33 golds, 33 silvers and 50 bronze medals in the previous edition of the ASEAN Para Games in Cambodia in 2023.