Unfunded RP tankers make waves

Despite the absence of support from the Philippine Sports Commission, the Southeast Asian age group swimming championships was held successfully at the San Pablo Swimming Center in Laguna.

Monchito Ilagan, president of the Philippine Amateur Swimming Association, said the three-day meet’s success should be credited to the effort put up by the people behind the association and the support provided by the city of San Pablo and Speedo.

"This goes to show that an event can become successful if the people around the national sports association will work hand in hand," said Ilagan. "I’m glad PASA is composed of people whose devotion is to promote and develop our sport."

"We would also like to thank the city of San Pablo headed by Mayor Boy Aquino for his unwavering support and Speedo for its commitment to RP swimming," he added.

The Philippines won the overall title at the close of competition Saturday with a medal haul of 27 gold, 30 silver and 31 bronze medals, barely edging the Singaporeans with 25 gold, 23 silver and 21 bronze medals.

It was the first time in 19 years that the Philippines topped the annual event.

"We never had it so good," said national team coach Guy Concepcion, a member of the RP squad that last won the overall title 19 years back. "I’m really proud of the way my team performed in this event."

(14-13-11), Thailand (12-15-19), Indonesia (11-3-5), Vietnam (8-13-9) and Myanmar (0-0-1).

PASA secretary-general Chito Rivera also announced that they will conduct a seminar from Oct. 22 to 26 at Valle Verde. He also said his group has lined up several activities like seminars to be held by the International Swimming Federation (FINA) and the coaches seminar to be supervised by Olympian Ian Pope of Australia.