The Congress of Philippine Aquatic, Inc. (COPA) and swimming apparel Speedo have forged a partnership in line with their shared advocacies in strengthening the grassroots programs that promotes swimming.
COPA President and Batangas 1st District Rep. Eric Buhain and Speedo Philippines vice president for operation Manish Mahtani led the official the signing of the deal last Thursday.
“Malaking bagay ito, I’m sure ito’y umpisa lamang ng partnership. Lalong mabubuhay ang swimming lalo na sa mga probinsiya. Masayang-masaya kami at nagpapasalamat sa trust na ibinigay nila sa COPA,” said Buhain.
“COPA as I see it has the most credible grassroots sports program. Speedo has been around for 34 years and we’re focusing also on grassroots development which is very similar to COPA’s advocacy,” echoed Mahtani.
COPA is set to launch its program in the provinces with a series of tournaments in Lanao del Norte and events in Davao, Bacolod and Ormoc City in Leyte next month.
Its Golden Goggles Qualifying Swim Series Leg 1 and 2 are also slated this weekend (March 25-26) at the Teofilo Yldefonso Swimming Pool inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Center where around 390 swimmers, including students from public schools, are expected to join in the tournament which is also backed by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and MILO.
COPA board member and treasurer Chito Rivera said their association since its formation in 2020 has already organized and established 70% of its regionalization program with the remaining 30% an equivalent of five regions (Regions 2, 9, 4B, BARMM and CARAGA) is now working in progress.
