REMINISCE might be the arbitrary term word used to describe next year’s Subic Bay International Triathlon event, but the 24th edition of the race isn’t a jolly trip down memory lane, but a rekindling of rivalries and recent friendly competitions.
The Triathlon Association of the Philippines launched its Balik SuBIT campaign aimed at getting back triathletes, both elite and age groupers, to relive the event they raced in Subic slated April 29-30, 2017.
“Balik SuBIT would like to entice triathletes who have raced SuBIT before to comeback and reminisce the past races (they ran) and see familiar faces,” said Marketing Head Sarita Zafra during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at Shakey’s Malate.
“Napakagandang balikan. Medyo matagal na ‘yung event, marami nang tumanda, including me,” joked incoming TRAP President Ramon Marchan, adding that they “would like to invite back yung mga dating sumali, at i-promote ‘yung Subic.”
According to Marchan, who will replace long time TRAP president Tom Carrasco Jr., SuBIT saw a dramatic increase in both local and foreign participants, including world-class and champion athletes.
He bared that an estimated mix of 800 to 1,000 foreign and local athletes will join the event, a perfect venue for homegrown talent to thrive.
“We at TRAP believe that SuBIT has indeed played a major role in the development of the sport in the country,” said Marchan
In the same forum was national coach Rick Reyes, who shared the NSAs focus on training the triathlon team for coming international and regional events.
For Reyes, he likes the chances of local talents in the International Traiathlon Union and Asian Triathlon Confederation-sanctioned event, all the while gearing-his wards for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
“In the past, very fortunate na tayo kung merong Filipino na makapasok ng top five sa elite races,” said Reyes.
“Last year, Kim Mangrobang came in first,” added Reyes, noting the feat of Mangrobang, marking the first time a Filipino had ever topped the Elite stage of the competition- a milestone only made sweeter as Fil-American Kim Kilgroe finished second.
“So we did really well, and that augerswell for the development of the Philippine team, na at least nananalo na tayo. And of course this is all part of the plan towards 2020,” said Reyes.
“We have a 5-year plan because we want to qualify a Filipino for the Tokyo Olympic Games, we’re continuing the training and we’re looking forward to the 2017 Southeat Asian Games, then the 2018 Asian Games and Youth Olympic Games. We’re just building and building.”
Marchan meanwhile called on all those who have raced in SuBIT to join the online “Balik Ala-ala” and “Balik Tanaw” contest to bring back memories of their own experiences.