PBSP to host ‘Olango Challenge: Swim for a Cause’

The Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), in partnership with the Philippine Amateur Swimming Association (PASA) and Shangri-la Mactan, will host the first “Olango Challenge: Swim for a Cause” on May 10.

The first open water swimming challenge is a five-kilometer marathon swim from Sta. Rosa Wharf in Olango to Shangri-la, Mactan.

Sanctioned by PASA, the challenge is expected to draw 50 to 100 competitive, amateur and fun swimmers.

For the competitive swimmers, only members of recognized swimming clubs by PASA are allowed to join. For the fun category, entries must be at least 14 years old and they are all required to submit a medical certificate.

Participants will start swimming at around 6:00 in the morning. They will be given three hours to cross the 1,000-foot deep Gilutungan Channel.

PASA secretary-general Akiko Thomson said that three hours is doable for a 5-kilometer swim.

The main goal of the event, which is also supported by Philippine Life Saving, Philippine Coast Guard, Cebu Yacht Club, and some resorts along Mactan coast,  is to raise funds for the Olango Island Development Program.

As of the moment, the organizers are still discussing if winners will receive cash prizes.

However, the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) will pick eight from the competitive swimmers to represent the Philippines in marathon swimming (5K and 10K for men and women) during the 1st Asian Beach Games in Bali, Indonesia from October 18 to 26. – Marchie Jane C. Trangia