The Philippine Aquatics, Inc. (PAI) continues to receive recognition from the international community, which, according to Executive Director Chito Rivera, is a pat on the back in the organization’s efforts to promote a comprehensive program not only in swimming but also in other pillars of aquatics sports such as diving, water polo, artistic swimming, and open swimming.
Rivera said that during the Asia Aquatics Convention held last April 25 to 28 in Bangkok, Thailand, that PAI president Miko Vargas was elected to the five-man Ethics Committee, while the 15-man Board of Directors included PAI secretary general and swimming icon Batangas 1st District Congressman Eric Buhain.
“During the Asian Aquatics convention, we were once again praised for hosting the Asian age-group championship last February in Clark and the election of PAI president (Miko) Vargas and Cong. Eric in the central board only shows the esteemed recognition to the PAI leadership by the international community,” Rivera said at the Tabloids Organization in Philippine Sports, Inc. ‘Usapang Sports’ on Thursday at the PSC Conference Room inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
Rivera revealed that other international swimming bodies, such as Singapore and New Zealand, have also sent messages for collaboration regarding the training of aquatics athletes, as well as to increase the knowledge of local coaches.
PAI is also lined up to participate in three tournaments abroad this year, in addition to Olympic qualifying for elite swimmers Chloe Isleta, Jasmine Alhaldhi, and Kyla Sanchez.
Rivera also announced the scheduled national tryouts in August for the team that will compete in the SEA age-group championship in December in Bangkok. He encouraged foreign-based swimmers to return to the country to participate in the tryouts.
“The tryouts are open for everyone, so you can’t just submit your time record. It would be best if you showed wares, which I think also creates inspiration for homegrown athletes,” said Rivera in the program sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission, Behrouz Persian Cuisine, and Pocari Sweat.
