Aquagliders host swim meet at Bicol University

MANILA, Philippines - The Ibalong Magayon Aquagliders are holding for the first time their own novice and motivational swimming competition for young swimmers from Legazpi City and neighboring cities and provinces in the Bicol Region today at the Bicol University swimming pool.

Gold, silver and bronze medals will be awarded to the top three finishers for boys and girls in 64 events in the novice and motivational categories.

Individual trophies will be awarded to most outstanding swimmers in each age group category. Team trophies will be given to the three top teams and an overall champion based on combined scores for boys and girls events.

The event, staged by the PSL Region 5 (Bicol) chapter under lawyer Ma. Teresa Mahiwo, is part of the continuing advocacy and development program of the Philippine Swim League to develop young Filipino swimmers and increase participation in swimming as a grassroots sport.

Age groupers from Manila, Bulacan, Laguna, and Navotas are expected to provide the challenge to the Bicol swimmers who formed their own swimming association only two years ago.

The event, open to boys and girls aged four years and above, aims to encourage the participation of young swimmers specially those who underwent the basic, advanced and developmental swimming programs this summer, said Papa.

“It is the beginning of our regional program as we go all out to promote swimming all over the country,” Papa said. “We are starting it with the Bicol region.”

The PSL, said Papa, will soon complete its nationwide network with the appointment of regional directors from 15 regions all over the country.

Under the PSL blueprint, regional chapters will be staging their monthly tournaments under the guidance of the PSL, which will concentrate on national and international competitions.

“We will build a strong swimming community in Bicol.  We will try to hold competitions here every other month to come up with a strong representation in our national event,” said Atty. Mahiwo.

Swim clubs and individual swimmers who have not registered may still join the competition by calling up the Ibalong Magayon Aquagliders Swim Club, AMEC-BCCM, Legazpi City or through Arlon Rances 09228102572.

For year-long PSL competitions,  email  [email protected].