The Philippine Aquatics, Inc. (PAI) is hosting the 1st National Age Group Championships (PANAGOC) at the Teofilo Yldefonso Swimming Pool inside the famed Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Malate, Manila beginning on Friday, June 21.
The three-day event features the country’s top junior swimmers, including Asian junior gold medalist and record holder Jamesray Mishael Ajido, two-time World Junior Championship campaigner Jasmine Mojdeh, and fellow Asian meet campaigner Aishel Evangelista, Patricia Mae Santor, and Ricielle Maleeka Melencio.
A total of 700 swimmers from over 50 teams and swimming clubs are set to participate in what would be the biggest local swimming competition since PAI introduced the national ranking system for all local swimming body registered members.
The meet format is timed Finals for Class A, B, and C 8-under, 9, 10, 11,12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18-over age groups. The Philippine Sports Commission, the Philippine Olympic Committee, and Speedo sponsor the event.
A short tribute will be given to late executive director Francisco ‘Chito’ Rivera during the opening ceremony led by PAI secretary-general Eric Buhain.
PAI President Miko Vargas will join Buhain in the ceremony. Also invited to witness the handover of the plaque of recognition to Rivera’s family are Philippine Olympic Association (POA) president and swimming icon Akiko Thompson, and two-time Olympian and former National mentor Pinky Brosas.
All eyes will be on the 15-year-old Ajido who made a splash in the 11th Asian Group Championships after bagging the country’s first ever gold medal in the continental level in the 12-14 100m butterfly last February at the New Clark City Aquatics Center.
