7th Olango charity swimfest this am

CEBU, Philippines - Over a hundred swimmers are set to give their share of building classrooms in Olango Island through the staging of the 7th Olango Challenge, an open water competition scheduled today at the Crimson Resort and Spa in Lapu-Lapu City.

Most of the participants are from Cebu, but there are also some out-of-town entries just like in the previous editions.

Palarong Pambansa medallist Michael Ichiro Kong is among the top contenders to win the competition that will promptly start at 9 am.The organizers are very strict with the kick-off time since they are basing it with the tide.

For those taking the free ride to the venue, assembly point is at the Police Precint 2 near the Cebu City Sports Center at 6 am.

Registration is set from 7:30 to 8:30 am, afterwhich comes the orientation of swimmers.

The race features the 2 and 6-kilometer distances. There will be separate classes for the competitive and fun swimmers. Fun swimmers are allowed to use fins among others.

The top performers of the event will receive cash and trophies but more than the prize and honor, they are out to help build classrooms in Olango.

So far, the organizing Philippine Business for Social Progress in partnership with the Philippine Swimming, Inc. had already built three two-classroom buildings in three different barangays in Olango. The fourth one is still under construction.

Aside from the entry fee paid by the swimmers and their sponsors, pledges from the swimmers' friends, families and all other interested companies and individuals are also welcome in today's event. (FREEMAN)