Mojdeh, Ajido bibida sa PAI National Age Group Championships

MANILA, Philippines — Pakakawalan ang Phi­lippine Aquatics, Inc. (PAI) 1st National Age Group Championships (PANAGOC) ngayong araw sa Teofilo Yldefonso Swimming Pool sa Rizal Memorial Sports Complex sa Malate, Manila.

Tatampukan ang three-day event ng mga premyadong junior swimmers ng bansa kabilang sina Asian junior gold medalist at record holder Jamesray Mishael Ajido, two-time World Junior Championship campaigner Jasmine Mojdeh at kapwa Asian meet campaigner Aishel Evangelista, Patricia Mae Santor at Ricielle Maleeka Melencio.

Humigit-kumulang sa 700 swimmers mula sa mahigit 50 teams at swimming club sa buong bansa ang lalahok sa pinakama­laking lokal na kompetis­yon sa paglangoy mula nang ipakilala ng PAI ang national ranking system para sa lahat na nakare­histrong miyembro ng local swimming body, ayon sa bagong itinalagang PAI Executive Director na si Anthony Reyes.

Ang format ng meet ay timed Finals para sa Class A, B, at C 8-under, 9, 10, 11,12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 at 18-over age groups.

Ang Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee at ang Speedo ang tagapagtagu­yod ng naturang event.

Sinabi ni PAI Secretary-General at Batangas 1st District Rep. Eric Buhain na isang maikling pagpupugay para sa yumaong Executive Director na si Francisco ‘Chito’ Rivera ang magtatampok sa opening ceremony.

“Coach Chito is a great loss to Philippine aquatics. But his legacy lives on as we continue to put our best foot forward to further enhance the development of swimming and the other disciplines in aquatics. We’re targeting a better future in open water, water polo, diving, and artistic swimming, from regional to national levels,” ani Buhain.

Ang 67-anyos na si Rivera, varsity swimming head coach ng Jose Rizal University at co-founder ng Congress of Philippine Aquatics (COPA), ay pumanaw kamakailan.

Makakasama ni PAI president Miko Vargas si Buhain sa pagbibigay ng parangal.