PASA opens P-Noy Games to ASAP bets

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Aquatic Sports Association (PASA) has agreed to start a dialogue with critics led by the Aquatic Sports Association of the Philippines and for starters, will likely allow non-members to participate in an upcoming PASA-run swimming competition.

PASA president Mark Joseph said during yesterday’s hearing of the House committee on sports and youth development that the association is willing to sit down with ASAP officials to possibly find a solution to the squabble.

“May agreement na to (hold) dialogue (Both camps agreed to hold dialogue). For PASA, this is a positive indication of future harmony in the sport,” Joseph told The STAR after the hearing.

The ASAP has criticized PASA for a number of issues, including the latter’s policy against the participation of non-PASA members in PASA-sanctioned meets. Joseph said he explained before the committee that this is in line with the International Swimming Federation (FINA) eligibility rules.

However, Joseph said PASA is willing to “open” their next competition, the P-Noy National Games in May.

“We’re open to allowing non-PASA members to participate in the P-Noy National Games as guests,” said the PASA chief.

Some 300 participants in swimming and water polo are eyed in the PNG, a pet project of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), but Joseph said they will not be setting a ceiling on how many non-members can take part.

“This will be an open competition,” he said. “This is a government project and we’re fully supporting it.”