Chan: ‘Don’t be confuse, join the Stabilization Committee try-out for Philippine swimming team’

THERE’S only one official national try-out for members of the Philippine swimming team.

Thus, said Atty. Wharton Chan, head of the three-member Stabilization Committee, formed and duly authorized by the World Aquatics to run the affair in Philippine swimming after the withdrawing of its recognition to the Philippine Swimming Inc. (PSI) and its Board of Director.

“There’s no confusion here. As tasked by the World Aquatics were responsible for the formation of the National Team. After the try-outs we will submit the list to the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) for approval, that’s it. If there’s an invitation coming to group outside the Stabilization Committee, hindi ito authorized,” said Chan, also the POC legal counsel.

After the completion of the technical handbook for the trials which Chan said could be requested through email ([email protected]), the official selection meet for members of the country’s aquatics team to the Cambodia 32^nd Southeast Asian Games is set on February 16 to 19 at the New Clark City Aquatics Center in Capas, Tarlac.

Stabilization Committee member Valeriano “Bones” Floro said certified technical officials will supervise the trials that features 34 swimming events for men and women. The third member of the committee is Bases Convertion Development Authority (BCDA) vice president Arrey Perez.

“We sought the help of the continental body, the Asian Swimming Federation, for these trials,” said Valeriano “Bones” Floro, also the deputy secretary general for international affairs of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC).

Registration and inquiries could be made through official email address [email protected]. The deadline for registration is on February 14.

“The information kit and selection criteria were released at the start of the week, and we are impressed that we received quite a number of inquiries and intent to participate from our athletes, clubs and coaches,” said Floro.

Besides swimming, the Stabilization Committee will also select members of the men and women water polo teams and athletes for the individual 3-meter springboard and platform for men and women in diving.

The swimming events for men and women are the 50, 100, 200, 200, 800 and 1,500 meters for freestyle; 50, 100 and 200 meters butterfly, backstroke and breaststroke; and 200 and 400 individual medley.

Members of the relay teams will be selected from the list of qualified athletes.

Qualified athletes will undergo a four-week training program under the direct supervision of the Stabilization Committee.

The Cambodia SEAG is slated May 5 to 17.

Chan said that foreign-based athletes who pass the criteria and interested to be selected must submit with their official time record sign and authorized by school officials or the organizer of the WA-sanctioned tournament they participated.