Bicol swimmers form club, join PSL

Manila, Philippines - One more swimming club joined the Philippine Swimming League following the holding of the PSL Summer Sprint in Lipa, Batangas as part of the outreach program of the PSL and Diliman Preparatory School.

The club, Ibalong Magayon Aquagliders Club of Legaspi, was formed after several clubs in Bicol and Southern Tagalog bolted the Philippine Amateur Swimming Association in the midst of the current leadership crisis.

“We finally found freedom and hope in swimming. It’s a dream come true for these swimmers,” said Guia Llaguno, parent of swimmer Jan Vincent Llaguno, who participated in the recently concluded Hong Kong Invitational meet.

DPS president and former Sen. Nikki Coseteng, PSL president Susan Papa, PSL secretary general Susan Benasa and coach Dennis Cordero last week conducted a seminar for coaches and parents and a swimming camp for over 20 swimmers in Legaspi.

“We thank Sen. Coseteng and Susan Papa and Mr. Cordero for their time. The PSL gave its time to the camp, morning and afternoon for free, and their program which also includes monthly and international competitions are what our swimmers need to grow in the sport,” said Llaguno.

Papa said the Aquagliders will join two international competitions this year.

“Our Lord Almighty will make the difference everywhere in this swimming community. It is time for transformation, there will be change,” said Papa, who said the current crisis will not put on hold the PSL and DPS grassroots development program.

The swimmers who joined the camp were Jan Vincent Llaguno, Trisha Anne Oliveros, Patricia Bianca Talavera, Fergino Raneses, Bradley Rucillo, Jan Augustin Talavera, Namahig Assa Mahiwo, Jea Talavera, John Paul De Leoz, Matthew Tan, Ashley Rances, Audrey Rances, Hannah Sartorio, Emmanuel Adornado, Arnaud Arnaldo, Justine Guerrero, Francis Rubio, Jerome De Leoz, Iris Arnaldo, Isis Arnaldo, Daniel Rubio, Ceswin Betiz, Marwin Betiz, RJ Mayor, Jude Tence, Monica Anonuevo and Girlie Mayor.