It’s all systems go for the 4th Southeast Asia Open Water Swimming Championships, presented by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), scheduled on Aug. 21-23 at the Boracay Newcoast.
The event, organized by Philippine Aquatics Inc. in cooperation with Southeast Asia Aquatics, the province of Aklan and various government agencies, aims to showcase athletic excellence while promoting sportsmanship, cultural exchange and Philippine sports tourism.
“We are very proud to host this event because open water swimming is an Olympic event,” said PAI Secretary-General Eric Buhain during a forum.
An estimated 100 to 120 swimmers from eight countries, including 35 entries from the Philippines, are set to participate in the 3K, 5K and 10K events for men and women.
“We are also here to promote our country in the same breath that Bali and Pattaya hosted the event. Pagandahan,” added Buhain.
Also present were PSC Commissioner Fritz Gaston, PAI Vice President Jojo Quilop and executive director Anthony Reyes.
Gaston hailed the event as a boost to the country’s sports tourism program under the National Sports Tourism-Inter Agency Committee headed by PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio.
“I’m also looking forward to this event because of the sports tourism aspect as well as the competition. Philippine Aquatics is on the right track promoting this,” said Gaston.
The three-day event, held previously in Bali (Indonesia) and Pattaya (Thailand), also features festival races open to all swimmers, with 2km and 3km distances.
“This sporting event not only advances the growth of open water swimming in Southeast Asia but also shines a spotlight on Boracay Island as a true gem of the region while reflecting the warmth and hospitality of the Filipino people,” said PAI President Michael Vargas in a statement.
“Philippine Aquatics is very curious to uplift open water swimming in our country,” said Buhain, adding that this early, delegates from countries like Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia are looking to extend their stay in Boracay after the event.
The PAI held tryouts on June 5-7 to select the members of the national team.PNA
