Swim league makes waves in 2009, expands program

MANILA, Philippines - The newly formed Philippine Swimming League made huge strides in its grassroots development program with its nationwide clinics and participation in local and international competitions and vows to keep its program in motion during the year buoyed up by the enthusiastic response of member clubs.

Susan Papa, former Asian Gamer who founded the RP Swimming League, said the association, founded barely last July in response to parents’ need for a regular, coordinated training program for young, aspiring swimmers, had accomplished more than what it was tasked to do during the last six months.

The league had sent young swimmers to four international competitions – in Australia, Singapore, Taiwan and Bangkok.

Swimmers of the Susan Papa Swimming Academy itself, run by Papa and Susan Benasa, have been to four international meets.

“Two of my swimmers received a citation through a Senate resolution for their gold medal win in Australia,” said Papa.

Papa said the league conducted two free competitions – both at the Rizal Memorial swimming pool – to give students, particularly those from public schools, the rare chance to test their mettle in competition. More than 500 had competed in each of the two events which were backed by the Philippine Sports Commission, Rotary Club of Manila Remedios Circle, Growee and the City of Manila.

The league had also conducted two coaches’ seminars, one in Davao and the other in Manila with no less than renowned Canada-based Filipino coach Wilfredo Arzaga as main lecturer.

The league had also visited the provinces of Bohol, Davao and Batangas and will touch base with other provinces in 2010 as part of its outreach program.

On the local front, the Susan Papa Swimming Academy sent budding swimmers to compete in and support invitational meets of the clubs of Fontana, Pasiklaban, Quezon City and Antipolo.

“We have actually started our grassroots program in 2007 and we are happy to draw support rom coaches in various cities,” said Papa.

Some of the big supporters of the Philippine Swimming League are Theresa Alvarez, former producer of Battle of the Brains, Darren Evangelista from the Evangelista Aquatic Sports Management in Davao, Growee, the Aquatic Sprint School of Manny Thruelen and Dr. Vicky Santos, who provides treatment for swimmers.

“The parents have given us the biggest support,” said Papa.

The league had received the full support of the Philippine Sports Commission under chairman Harry Angping, who made the Rizal Memorial swimming pool accessible to the league for its competitions.

Papa said it would also be counting on other institutions which are into gassroots development like the Elorde Sports Center as possible permanent venues for its swimming program.

Papa added that 2010 would be a busy year with monthly local competitions to start Jan. 15 and 23, culminating in a championship in December.

“The competitions will all be for free – no registration or entry fees. The calendar for the year is fully booked, I wish there are more than 12 months during the year to make room for more competitions and seminars,” said Papa.

Papa said the league will be setting up a different swimming format, which will be competitive, yet educational.

Up in the calendar are the invitational meets in Davao in March.

Thirty members of the Susan Papa Academy will compete in the Malaysian meet slated Feb. 4-6, but Papa said slots will be open to those who wish to join. The Malaysian hosts have offered free accommodation, courtesy of coach Dennis Cordero who had established relations with his Malaysian counterparts.

 Papa will also be sending five Filipino coaches who will undergo training from Russian coaches invited to conduct the clinics.

Other international seminars are the World Swimming Coaches Association Gold Medal Clinic 2010, the American Swimming Coaches Association and the World Clinic in Indianapolis, USA – all slated Aug. 31-Sept. 5.