THE 60-member swimming team from the Swim League Philippines scooped 143 medals — 53 golds, 59 silvers and 31 bronzes — in the 15th SICC Junior Swimming Championship slated August 26 and 27 at the Singapore Island Country Club.
Johan Riley Busadre of the South Warriors Swimming Team and Anya Dela Cruz of JASST led the Filipinos in the tournament that was attended by 347 athletes from 12 countries, after winning a total of 11 gold medals and being adjudged Most Outstanding Swimmers in the boys’ 8 -9 and girls’ 10-11 categories, respectively.
Busadre’s clubmate Katterina Kleine Macaraig also won in the girls’ 16-17 (2 golds, 1 silver and 2 bronze); Bella Aaliyah Fano in the girls’ 12-13 (4 golds and 4 silvers); Jaiden Jose Busdare in the boys’ 10-11 (2 golds, and 1 bronze); Marcus Jared Dula in the boys’ 10-11 (3 golds and 5 silvers); John Angelo Andaya in the boys’ 12-13 (1 gold); Kyle Jonel Salvador in the boys’ 16-17 (2 silver); Feriz Gabriel Españo in the boys’ 16-17 (2 silver and 1 bronze); Jhunery Vinluan in the boys’ 14-15 (1 silver and 1 bronze); Kassandra Kiersten Macaraig in the girls’ 14-15 (2 silver and 1 bronze), Orianthi Gamboa in the girls’ 8-9 (5 silver and 1 bronze); and Nohj Nathaniel Camilon in the boys’ 10-11 (1 gold and 3 bronze).
Alex Cassandra Olaes won for the Cavite Sea Beast Swimming Club in the boys’ 12-13 (3 silver); Johan Jace Cesa in the boys’ 10-11 (1 silver); Victoria Raffaela Sabale in the girls’ 10-11 (1 gold); Josh Steven Cesa in the boys’ 15-16 (1 silver); and Nathan Ira Sabale in the boys’ 17-over (1 silver); and David Joshua Buenavista in the boys’ 14-15 (1 bronze).
Justine Africano shone for the Northern Sharks Club (3 gold, 3 silver and 2 bronze); Louise Guimbarda had 3 silvers and 4 bronzes; Victor Aricano bagged 3 golds, 1 silver and 1 bronze); while Chrisella Los Banes contributed 3 golds and Sophia Mallorca from Minuluan Pirates team had a bronze.
The SLP, led by president Fred Ancheta, chairman Joan Mojdeh and Chairman Emeritus Sen. Manny Pacquaio, is one of the biggest swimming clubs in the country that helps the grassroots sports development program of Philippine Aquatics, Inc., led by president Miko Vargas and secretary general Batangas 1st District Congressman Eric Buhain.
SLP National Director Joey Andaya was appointed head of delegation, while Hans Rafael Sumalde and Marlon Dula were the coaches.
