The Philippine Aquatics, Inc. (PAI) talent identification program at the grassroots level continued through the 'Go Full Speedo' Swim Series long Course Swimming Meet Leg 1 this weekend at the Teofilo Yldefonso Swimming pool inside the famed Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Malate, Manila.
Young swimmers from more than 30 PAI swimming club members will compete in the tournament organized by the country's only national sports association of swimming in partnership with Speedo and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).
"We're blessed and grateful for the support of Speedo which once again teamed up with PAI to strengthen our swimming program at the grassroots level. This is not only in swimming but also in open swimming in collaboration with our regional representatives," said PAI Secretary General Batangas 1st District Congressman Eric Buhain.
Also lined up in the series are Leg 2 on October 19-20 and Leg 3 on Nov. 16-17 scheduled to be held at the RMSC venue.
In addition, PAI also sanctioned the CARAGA Series Leg 1 scheduled for Oct. 26-27 at FSSU Morelos Campus in Butuan City and the Open Water Swim Championships on October 26 at Dusit Thani seaside in Mactan City in Cebu.
"We are strengthening the programs not only in Manila but also in our regions. We need a regular meet in the provinces like this to ensure the improvement of our swimmers before they compete in a more competitive meet and eventually make it to the National Team," said Buhain.
The Short Course Leg 1 championship for Central and Northern Luzon was held recently in Lingayen, Pangasinan.
The One Ilocos Sur Swim team took first place in the team competition after winning 15 gold medals including five top podium finishes by Graziella Sophia Ato who was named Most Outstanding Swimmer in the girls' 14-15 class. She won the 400m freestyle (B), 200 breaststrokes (B), 50 backstroke (B), 200 medley relay, 100m butterfly (B), and silver medals in the 100m free (A)
In the girls' 16-17 class, Unah Mendoza won the 200 breast (B), 400 free (B), 50 back (B), 100 free (A), and 100m fly (B); as well as Jyliana Prado (50 back (C,), 100 free (B), 100 fly (C), 200 breast (B) and silver in the 400m free; Maria Teresa Punio in girls 7-8 for the 50m back (C) and silver in the 50m breast (C) and Zoe Margharette Valencia in the 100m fly (B)
