Olango swim challenge raises P5 million

The two-in-one Olango Swim Challenge, which drew around 80 participants who braved the deep open waters of Gilutongan Channel separating Mactan and Olango Islands in Cebu, raised more than P5 million when the swim-for-a-cause event was staged last May 10.

Organized by the Philippine Amateur Swimming Association of the Philippines (PASA), whose president former national swimmer Mark Joseph was among those who did the five-kilometer long cross-channel swim, the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) and host venue Shangri-La Mactan resort, the fund-raiser was headed by local businessman Antonio Aboitiz, CFO of PILMICO and regional chairman for PBSP-Visayas.

“PASA is certainly happy that its partnership with both PBSP and Shangri-La Mactan has achieved its primary objective of raising funds to help rehabilitate the natural resources of Olango Island, an internationally protected bird sanctuary,” said Joseph adding that next year’s event has already been set for April 18, 2009.

The PASA also has named the top finishers of the event to be the country’s top candidates for the 2008 first Asian Beach Games in Bali, Indonesia this October for marathon swimming, the newest Olympic event. The regional meet will feature a 5K and 10K open water races for women and men.

Nikita Dacera, 17, ruled the men’s division of the Olango Challenge with a time of 1:02.41, followed by Kiefer Ticao, 1:05.04, both from PCEAS, Joshua Desamero from the Lake City swim club in 1:08.22, and water polo national member Raphael Grabador in 1:09.38.

The women’s side had Cebu Blue Marlin swim club entry Paula Abigail Vega winning in 1:14.56, Lake City’s Marvin Borja in 1:20.53, and Dennice Juliet Cordero, third placer in 1:27.14. Katrina Mae Rubi finished fourth but her time was not available.