The Philippine Aquatics Inc. (PAI), in partnership with Speedo Philippines, announced the holding of the 2024 Speedo Swim Smart Novice and Sprint Meet on July 20 and 21 at the Teofilo Yldefonso Swimming Center inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Malate, Manila.
PAI Secretary General Batangas 1st District Rep. Eric Buhain is calling all swimming clubs to enlist their young athletes in the fun-filled two-day event. Students from public schools are also encouraged to participate, free of charge.
“This tournament is for the kids, especially those coming from summer camps and swimming lessons. Pagkakataon ito ng ating mga coaches at swimming club’s members na makita ‘yung early development sa mga tinuruan nilang swimmers. Walang pressure dito, kaya tiyak masaya ito at mage-enjoy ang lahat,” said the two-time Olympian and Philippine Sports Hall of Famer.
Buhain also expressed his gratitude for the support of Speedo and the Philippine Sports Commission as the event is part of the intensive level-up and promotional activities of PAI’s nationwide grassroots development program.
Meanwhile, Buhain also reminded that the deadline for the submission of a letter of intent to join the Philippine delegation to the Asian Open Schools Short Course Championship is on Friday (July 19).
The tournament is on August 17 and 18 at the Assumption University Aquatics Center in Bangkok, Thailand. Organized by World Aquatics-sanctioned Global Aquatics based in Thailand, the tournament serves as the official qualification tourney for this year’s Belgium Short Course Championships and the 6th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Championships.
Through the partnership of PAI and Global Aquatics, the Thailand organizer has allocated 50 slots for the Philippine Team.
“It’s inspiring that they have allocated 50 slots for swimmers from PAI, demonstrating a strong partnership between the two organizations. PAI will also support its participants by facilitating their eligibility for the travel tax exemption through the Philippine Sports Commission, adding another layer of support for the athletes,” said PAI Executive Director Anthony Reyes.
The letters of intent must be sent to philippineaquatics@gmail.com.
