SWIMMERS, who are part of the Philippine Swimming League can now join the selection process for the national team.
Ral Rosario, whose group in the national sports association for swimming, Philippine Swimming Inc., is questioning the presidency of Lani Velasco, made this possible after they reached out to the PSL yesterday.
Talks with PSL president Susan Papa have led Rosario and his allies in the PSI into talks of peace and reconciliation.
“It’s time to bring this to an end. It’s time to bring in a new era in swimming. Unification. Yes, we should do it for the swimmers and the swimming community,” said Rosario after he and Papa shook hands during an early morning meeting at the Behrouz Persian Cuisine Restaurant, in South Triangle, Quezon City.
Joining them were PSI treasurer Akiko Thomson-Guevarra and PSL officer Susan Benasa.
In the past, swimmers not associated with the PSI cannot join tryouts for the national team because of their status as non-members.
Papa said the acceptance of Rosario’s group of the PSI is a historical moment for their group.
“For me, this is something. This is history. For the longest time, swimming is not democratized. With Ral Rosario as president of the PSI, and with Akiko Thomson, we appreciation unification, and the message of Mr. Rosario that he is opening the selection process for the national team,” said Papa.
The group of Rosario is currently disputing of Velasco as president of the PSI last February.
In March last year, Rosario was elected president during the board of trustees. It came after previous president Mark Joseph brought in Velasco as his representative, while he was dealing with his numerous legal cases.
For now, former International Olympic Committee Frank Elizalde has been appointed as chairman of a caretaker body that will oversee the resolution of the leadership issues surrounding the PSI.
The POC arbitrations and disputes commission, chaired by Robert Aventajado, recommended during the POC general assembly that the Feb. 17 election of Velasco not be recognized.
Rosario’s group is now awaiting a resolution of the case before the arbitration body.