New national swimming competitions for children aged 6- to 17-year-old participants is set for launch next month, involving 10 local government units in key cities of Manila, Visayas and Mindanao.
Dubbed ‘Langoy Pilipinas’, the event conceptualized by swimming coach and event organizer Darren Evangelista, targets not only school-based teams and established swimming clubs, but also the less fortunate children and out-of-school youth.
“The tournament is open to all Filipino young swimmers, regardless of their affiliations and religions. Everybody is welcome. We’re currently in close coordination with partner LGUs so we can identify those less fortunate swimmers in their respective communities to join the event,” said Evangelista, head of the organizing GoldenEast Ads Promo and Events.
Evangelista, a former member of Mapua Cardinals that won the NCAA title in the 90s, and a 5-time NCAA champion coach in Swimming, said that the conceptualization of the competitions is based on six important objectives, namely strengthen grassroots development, improve tourism through sports, create a wave of livelihood opportunities, enhance positive values and sportsmanship, and promote family togetherness.
Included in the program as partners are Manila, Tarlac, Cavite and Laguna in Luzon, Bohol, Roxas and Bacolod in Visayas and Saranggani and Cagayan in Mindanao.
Evangelista added that the event is also in close coordination with the Swimming League Philippines, Philippine Swimming League and Congress of Philippine Aquatics, Inc.
“For the Manila event, preparation is ongoing with the Office of Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna as well as the Manila Sports Council,” said Evangelista.
He added that all is set for the Saranggani event tentatively slated on Feb. 24 as Gov. Rogelio ‘Ruel’ Pacquiao already gave his full support during a lengthy meeting with the organizers.