Sander Severino, a celebrated FIDE Master and the face of Philippine para chess, died on February 7 at age 40 in his hometown of Silay, Negros Occidental, due to heart failure. Despite a childhood diagnosis of a debilitating muscle condition, Severino amassed an impressive medal haul, including multiple golds at the Asian and ASEAN Para Games. His recent triumphs in Thailand marked his final contribution to the national team.
Sander Severino, diagnosed at age eight with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) following a bicycle accident—or muscle dystrophy, as some reports describe—defied medical expectations of living only until 20. Relying on a wheelchair, he became a cornerstone of Philippine para chess, earning the title of FIDE Master and the inaugural IPCA Online World Chess Champion in 2020. His achievements included a bronze medal at the FIDE World Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities.
Severino's medal collection was extraordinary: 16 golds from the ASEAN Para Games and five from the Asian Para Games, with four won in Jakarta in 2018 and one in Hangzhou in 2022. In December 2023, at the 13th ASEAN Para Games in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, he secured five more golds in individual and team standard, rapid, and team blitz events. This performance helped the Philippines achieve a record 45 golds, securing fourth place overall.
His coach, James Infiesto, confirmed the news of Severino's passing on social media, writing, "My heart is shattered for our fallen comrade, Sander Severino. We shared so many dreams for the team, so many battles still waiting to be fought side by side." Infiesto recalled historic moments, such as the 2018 Asian Para Games where three Philippine flags were raised simultaneously, and noted the Thailand event as Severino's "final tour of duty."
Severino himself reflected on team success after Thailand, telling One Sports, "Sobrang saya po kasi pinapatugtog 'yung anthem natin sa ibang bansa, nakakaproud." He credited the team's chemistry: "Siguro kasi 'yung chemistry namin as a team, medyo matagal kaming magkasama. Buo 'yung samahan. May tiwala kami sa isa't isa."
Despite his condition, Severino participated in physical conditioning, stating, "Dahil sa exercise, nakakabagal 'yung paghina ng katawan as a PWD. Sobrang laking bagay ng exercise." Just before his death, he informed a reporter he would miss the Philippine Sportswriters Association awards on February 16 due to illness post-Thailand: "Nagkasakit ako pag-uwi after Thailand, kailangan siguro mahabang rest ‘to."
Severino's legacy endures as an inspiration in para sports.
