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Gene Calantoc

U.S. Army veteran Gene Calantoc smiling while wearing a Move United Warfighters T-shirt and a baseball cap

Gene Calantoc

"Since God gave me another chance in life, I will keep competing and achieve all my goals in life. I am blessed that I am still alive today and a part of the adaptive sports community." - U.S. Army Gene Calantoc

Calantoc joined the U.S. Army as a 12N Engineer on November 21, 2011, and deployed to Afghanistan in 2012-2013 with the 101st Screaming Eagles 1st BDE Bastogne. After 10 years of service, a motorcycle accident in March 2020 led to his medical retirement in December 2021.

During his recovery at Fort Sam Houston's Soldier Recovery Unit in San Antonio, Texas, Calantoc discovered adaptive sports in April 2020. He first tried out for the Warrior Games in 2021, though the event was cancelled due to coronavirus. His persistence paid off when he made the Army team in 2024.

Calantoc's competitive spirit shines across multiple sports including basketball, pickleball, cornhole, softball, and archery. He competes with the Texas Parasports Spurs wheelchair basketball team and Parasport wheelchair softball team, while also enjoying local cornhole competitions near his home.

As a Move United Warfighters Ambassador, Calantoc has competed in prestigious events including the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, Warrior Games, Texas Regional Games, Endeavor Games, Hartford Nationals, Army 10 Miler, and Canada Para Powerlifting Event. His dedication has earned him an impressive 52 medals in 2023 and 2024 alone.

Calantoc continues to break barriers and inspire others through his unwavering commitment to excellence in adaptive sports, proving that with determination and community support, there are no limits to what's possible.

Sports

  • Basketball/Wheelchair Basketball,
  • Pickleball,
  • Softball,
  • Archery,
  • Powerlifting