A Cadiz City youngster, ten years old, showed that his physical disability is in no way an obstacle. A victim of the rare phocomelia disease, Zach Lucas Obsioma rose to the occasion in the recently finished Palarong Pambansa in Cebu City, where he won two gold and a silver medal in the boys’ amputee category.
Under the guidance of Max Fermales and Lyn Rabuya, Obsioma became the quickest swimmer in both the boys’ 50-meter freestyle and backstroke events, making him an immediate sensation at the Palaro. He won a silver medal in the breaststroke as well, swimming with great skill.
The Grade 5 kid at the Special Education – Cadiz Center, Obsioma, is a native of Barangay Zone 3 and only became interested in swimming last year. With three gold medals, he qualified for the Palarong Pambansa 2023 in Marikina City after winning the Provincial Meet held at Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod in March. He trained at Laura’s Beach Resort in Cadiz.
The Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association Meet, which took place at Talisay City’s St. John’s Institute – Ayala Campus in May of this year, saw Obsioma emerge as a swimming phenomenon.
Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. of Cadiz expressed immense pride in Obsioma after the latter’s outstanding achievement at this year’s Palaro. “For two years now, Zach has never failed to bring us honor despite his physical disability,” explained Escalante. “Zach is truly an inspiration among Cadiznons and Negrosanons as well,” he said.
