The Philippine Aquatics, Inc. (PAI) effort to promote open water swimming and formed a training pool for future international competition got the needed boost with 1st National Open Water Swimming Tryouts organized recently by the Congress of Philippine Aquatics (COPA) Region XI at the Pujada Bay in Dahican, Mati City in Davao Oriental.
The event brought together swimmers of all ages and skill levels from across the country, competing in the 1km, 3km (Pujada Bay Swimfesf), and 5km and marathon distance 10 km for the (National Try-Out).
Amid strong currents and waves, participants in the Junior category showcased their grit and determination as they completed their respective races.
In the 5km distance, the following candidates for the national training pool are 5km distance (Male) Roy Angelo Ardion Rodriguez (14-15), Rafael Miguel G. Cruz (16-17), Paolo Miguel Labanon (18-19), and Eirron Seth B. Vibar (20-over), (Female) Graziella Sophia Reyes Ato (14-15), Althea Margarette Capitan Lagunay (16-17), Athena Shannessa Litam Chang (18-19) and Hannah Drelyn Isla Sanchez (20-over).
In the 10km, winners are (Male) Prince Jacob Ramos Ynion (14-15), Rafael Miguel Galvez (16-17), Paolo Miguel Labanon (18-19), Eirron Seth Vibar (20-over); (Female) Athena Shannessa Litam Chang (18-19).
The competition was supported by the Provincial Government of Davao Oriental, under the leadership of Governor Niño Uy, in partnership with the City Government of Mati, Philippine Aquatics Incorporated (PAI), MadWave Philippines, the Provincial Sports and Youth Development Office, Engr. Ging Rodriguez, Engr. Jonathan Rodriguez, and Technical Consultant Maria Gracia Ging-ging Tiago.