FINIS Philippines kicks off its National Long Course Swim Competition Series with the staging of the Visayas leg this weekend (Nov.5-6) at the Iloilo Sports Complex Swimming pool at La Paz, Iloilo City.
Chief organizer and FINIS Managing Director Vince Garcia said over 200 swimmers from 25 teams and clubs have confirmed participation in the tournament that will cap its series of activities this year.
“We’re happy and proud despite the enormous effect of typhoon ‘Paeng’ in the region, a huge number of teams have confirmed their participation. Yung resiliency nila is very commendable and we in FINIS is doing our best to provide them an internationally-like competition environment,” said Garcia.
Garcia said Bacolod-based clubs such as John B. Lacson Swim Team, Megakraken, Aklan, Iloilo Tigershark and Capiz Turboshark have sent big number of participants hoping to clinch slots for the National Finals in December.
Other teams taking part are Binarayan Tadpole Swimming Club, Bohol Splashers, Buddy Swim Team, Capiz Eaglerays, Capiz Turbo Shark, Iloilo Starfish, Iloilo Tiger Shark, JBLFMU Dolphin, Salabite Swim Sting, Silay Orca, Sta Fe Crocs and University of San Carlos.
National member and one of FINIS ambassadors Kyla Soquillon of Malay, Aklan is among the swimmers tipped to shine.
Top swimmers in the Visayas leg as well as in the scheduled Mindanao (Nov. 12-13), and Luzon legs (Nov. 26-27) will clash in the National Finals on Dec. 17-18 also in Clark.
Garcia also expressed his gratitude to the support and cooperation of local coaches in the culmination of the FINIS-American Swimming Coaches Association (ASCA) Swim Coaching Certification Clinics last Oct. 27-31 in Acropolis, Quezon City.
