MANILA, Philippines — All six national para athletes and four coaches will be dressed to the nines on Wednesday night as they take part in the what promises to be a spectacular outdoor opening ceremony of the 17th Paris Paralympic Games at the Place dela Concorde to Champs-Elysees in Paris, France.

But once para swimmer Ernie Gawilan and para archer Agustina Bantiloc and teammates Jerrold Mangliwan, Cendy Asusano, Angel Mae Otom and Allain Ganapin have finished taking part in the festive rites in their ethnic-inspired uniforms, their focus will be back to the task at hand.