Over 300 swimmers from invited schools, member clubs, and local government units (LGUs) in the Southern Tagalog region vie in various categories in the Philippine Aquatics Inc. (PAI)-organized Congressman Eric Buhain Cup on Saturday at the newly-built Balayan Aquatics Center in Brgy. Caloocan, Balayan, Batangas.
The one-day event, in partnership with the Southern Tagalog Amateur Swimming Association (STASA) and Speedo, is part of PAI’s effort to identify talent and strengthen the grassroots sports program in the provinces.
“The event culminates with a short program for the groundbreaking for the extension and improvement of the swimming pool. Kailangan ayusin natin itong facility para hindi lang taga-Balayan, o taga-Batangas bagkus para sa buong Pilipinas magamit itong ating mga batang swimmers,” said PAI Secretary General Batangas 1st District Rep. Eric Buhain.
Buhain added that PAI prioritizes the coaches’ development with the scheduled seminar on March 24-25 at the Orchid Garden Hotel with no less than Olympic coach Derric Schoof of Canada as speaker.
PAI Executive Director Anthony Reyes said that part of the seminar is the interaction of Schoof and his protegee Kyla Sanchez with selected members of the national training pool and junior swimmers.
“Schoof was coach of Kyla (Sanchez) when she was part of the Canada Team that won Olympic relay medal. Maraming matutunan ang ating mga local coaches and iba ang dating sa ating mga batang swimmers kung magkakaroon sila ng interaction with Kyla,” said Reyes.
Reyes said PAI also conducted a Lifesaving/Emergency Care Seminar last Feb. 22-23 and March 1-2 to create awareness and teach the benefits of swimming not just as a sport but also as a way to save lives.
