Kidapawan Long Wave Swim Team and DavNor Blu Marlins Swim Team shared the limelight in the recent Mindanao leg of the 2022 FINIS Short Course Swim Series held at the Gov. Douglas RA Cagas Sports, Cultural and Business Complex in Matti, Digos City.
Kail Kahulugan was a joy to watch as he ruled the boys 6-under 100-meter individual medley in 2:25.16, a performance that delighted his family and tournament officials, led by FINIS Philippines Managing Director Vince Garcia.
Among impressive winners were Jacob Ansale boys 7-8 IM, 1:58.24), Leonard Odelle Narreto (boys 9-10 IM, 1:28.33), Teofh Velez (girls 7-8 100-m IM) Czarina Cavite (girls 9-10 IM, 1:20.00), Shan Cyril Luga (girls 11-12 IM, 1:21.00) and Anthony Acedo (boys 11-12 IM, 1:26.34).
Other winners in the two-day event held as qualifier to the National Finals slated Aug. 20-21 at the New Clark Swimming Pool in Tarlac were Ethan Bazylewich (boys 13-14 IM, 1:09.90); Rain Andrei Tumulac (boys 15-16 IM,1:02.90), JohnBem Batalla (boys 15-16 IM, 1:17,00), Hansel Sarayan (boys 17-18 IM,1:09.00), Kate Ytang (girls 11-12 IM, 1:17.00), Jahred Carlos Basan (boys 9-10 100-m backstroke, 2:25.00) and Zavrinah Pailagao (girls 7-8, 2:22.97).
“We’re very happy with the turnouts as around 100 teams took part in the final leg of the series. Natuwa rin sila sa program natin,” said Garcia, who thanked the local government officials, led by Davao del Sur Governor Yvonne Rona-Cagas.
“FINIS is here to help uplift not only swimming but other aquatic events, including tournaments which involved our para athletes. In my own little way, we have been very supportive in the development of our athletes with disabilities,” said Garcia.
From Mindanao, Garcia travelled to Legazpi in Bicol to supervise the participation of the10-member Todo Para-triathlon team in the Mt. Mayon Triathlon slated this weekend .
The Mindanao leg is the centerpiece of FINIS-organized Davao Del Sur Aquatics Challenge this month as the province also plays host to the Finis Passig Islet 5K Open Water Swim Challenge on Aug. 27 and the Kids of Steel Triathlon Finis Green Aquathlon (kids and adults) on Aug. 28 in Digos City.
