Letter to the editor: Peace, Unity Swim one for the ages

This 74-year-old swimmer was the oldest “Atenista” who participated in the swimming relay at Diliman Preparatory School on Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City.

He efficiently completed his swim at about 7:30 Saturday morning despite his hypertension and recent eye surgery at AEI and contrary to concerned family advices/opinion. He is Rene Viado, a retired Ateneo and UE professor, one of the 4,732 Pinoy swimmers who dated to break the Guinness World Record in a 24-hour swim relay and almost did on Dec. 11, 2010.

This first-time marathon relay was also festive and bonding family event and would not have been possible without the creative efforts/directional skills of Susan Papa and the new swimming facilities, resources and staff of Sen. Nikki Coseteng. Despite preparatory pressures about time constraints and public media info dissemination.

Nikki, Susan and all the 4,732 swimmers selflessly did it. Para sa Bayan. Bayan Muna. 2011 will or may be a different and better year for them and for us. Hopefully.

Jeffrey U. Villora