Diabetics hope to finish strong in Ironman race

DESPITE suffering from diabetes, a four-man team will see action in tomorrow’s highly competitive Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines which kicks off a the Shangri La Mactan Island Resort and Spa.

The team dubbed as Team Triabetics is led by Poch Bermudez, president of Hinge Inquirer Publications.

Bermudez learned about his disease on October 2006 and started dabbling in triathlon the year after.

Last November, he started the non-government organization called Philippine Diabetic Athletes and later on founded the sub-group, the Triabetics.

Bermudez will be joined by fellow diabetics, Ress Bautista, Monching Romano and Rej Santos. They are coached by Norman Pascual.

“Hopefully, next year we’ll have an even bigger contingent,” Bermudez said.

He said they already have 15 applicants who want to join the group.

Bermudez said he hopes they can educate and give hope to diabetics through their activities.

“Through proper nutrition, medication and exercise, they can beat their disease,” Bermudez said.

He said their group has plans to hold seminars in Metro Manila and Cebu.

“We have the technology and the experience that we can equip you with. We also have sports nutritionists and triathlon coaches working with us that can guide diabetics into having a meaningful and fruitful multi-sport career,” Bermudez said.

Bermudez said they’re joining the race not just to finish but to place well.

“The stronger the finish, the stronger the message will be…Diabetes is never an impediment. You can forget you have diabetes and excel in this sport,” he said.