PSL ties up with Mariners for swim-survival program

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Swimming League (PSL) has tied up with Mariners in an effort to strengthen its grassroots development program in the Bicol Region.

Bicol, known as a typhoon belt area, has launched a survival program through the Mariners’ Polytechnic College under Commodore Dante Jimenez by building a swimming/survival training pool at Rawis, Legazpi.

PSL president and founder Susan Papa led the ribbon-cutting together with Capt. Leopoldo Tenorio and PSL secretary general Dr. Maria Susan Benasa.

The Mariners’ Legazpi awimming/survival training pool is dedicated to MPC students, cadets and cadettes for their survival training exercise and physical fitness program to enhance maritime competencies stipulated in its standard training, certification and watchkeeping program.

During the opening ceremony, Jifrey Azur, PSL swimmer and MPC student, gave an exhibition of different swimming strokes.

Azur was most outstanding swimmer in  his age group in the 50th PSL Leg Series last November and in the 51st PSL Leg Series last December.

He was chosen by the PSL to represent the country in the Royal Bangkok Swim Meet where he won a gold medal in the boys’ 15-over 100-meter backstroke.

“It was his first competition abroad, and we are proud of him. We will continue to support him in his swimming endeavor,” said Commodore Jimenez.

Azur will participate in the forthcoming biennial world university games called Summer Universiade 2015, to be held in Gwangju, South Korea,” said Papa.

“His bold effort embodies the courageous and resilient spirit of a Filipino. Every opportunity is extended to those who are not financially well off but highly deserving athletes to train, develop and to be able to compete internationally in line with the mission and vision of the Philippine Swimming League,” added Papa.