CEBU , Philippines –The Olango Challenge will be held for the third time April 24 as a vehicle to highlight the importance of having a clean marine environment as well as promoting open water swimming as a sport in the country.
It will be held at the Tambuli Beach Club, Lapu-Lapu City from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event, which also serves as a fundraising activity, aims to raise P1.2 million this year to shoulder livelihood and environment projects for the Olango Island.
The open-water swimming competition is organized by Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) in the Visayas and Philippine Aquatic Sports Association (PASA).
It launched its first challenge on 2008 on the 5-kilometer strip of the Gilutungan Channel from Olango to Mactan and attracted more than 70 seasoned and amateur swimmers to join the event.
The second year witnessed the participation of 50 athletes from the pier of Pacific Cebu Resort to the beach front of Tambuli Beach Club. Proceeds of both events were used for the construction of classrooms at Candagsao Elementary School in Olango Island, which will be officially turned over to the school on March 11.