Buhain, Vargas elected in Asia Aquatics top posts

Photo: Philippine Aquatics, Inc. (PAI) Executive Director Chito Rivera answers questions as young swimmers Patricia Mae Santor (left) and Nicola Diamante look on during the TOPS ‘Usapang Sports. REY NILLAMA

The Philippine Aquatics, Inc. (PAI) continues to receive recognition from the international community, which, according to Executive Director Chito Rivera, is a pat on the back for the country’s effort to promote a comprehensive program not only in swimming but also in other pillars of aquatics sports such as diving, water polo, artistic swimming, and open swimming.

Rivera said that during the Asia Aquatics Convention held last April 25-28 in Bangkok, Thailand, PAI president Miko Vargas was elected to the five-man Ethics Committee, while the 15-man Board of Directors included PAI secretary general and swimming icon Batangas 1st District Congressman Eric Buhain.

“During the Asian Aquatics convention, we were once again praised for hosting the Asian age group championship last February in Clark and the election of PAI president (Miko) Vargas and Cong. Eric in the central board only shows the esteem recognition to PAI leadership by the international community,” Rivera said at the Tabloids Organization in Philippine Sports, Inc. (TOPS) ‘Usapang Sports’ this Thursday at the PSC Conference Room inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RSMC).

Rivera revealed that other international swimming bodies, such as Singapore and New Zealand, have also expressed interest in collaborating to train aquatics athletes and increase the knowledge of local coaches.

PAI is also lined up to participate in three tournaments abroad this year, in addition to Olympic qualifying for elite swimmers Chloe Isleta, Jasmine Alhaldhi, Jerald Hutch, and Kyla Sanchez.

Rivera also announced the scheduled National tryouts in August for the team that will compete in the SEA age group championship in December in Bangkok. He encouraged the foreign-based swimmers to return to the country to participate in the tryouts.

“The tryouts are open for everyone, so you can’t just submit your time record. It would be best if you showed wares, which I think also create inspiration for homegrown athletes,” said Rivera in the program sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission, Behrouz Persian Cuisine, and Pocari Sweat.

Along with Rivera in the program are two rising swimmers, Nicola Queen Diamante, 13, from the RSS Dolphins Club and Patricia Mae Santor, 15, from the Ilustre East Swimming Club. They are among those qualified to play in the DepEd-organized Palarong Pambansa in July under the National Capital Region team.

“It’s my first time to Palarong Pambansa, so I’m happy and excited. I will improve my training so that I can win a medal. If I win, I’m sure our whole school and my parents will be happy,” said Diamante, a Grade 8 student at Augustinian Abbey in Las Pinas.

Likewise, the Grade 10 Santor, a member of the PH team in the Asian age group, is eyeing to surpass the one gold, two silver, and one bronze medal he won in last year’s Palarong Pambansa in Marikina City.

“It’s a sacrifice in training and studying. Hopefully, I can improve my personal best,” said the University of Santo Tomas standout.