Stage set for PAI National Trials

MANILA, Philippines — Sixty-one Filipino swimmers based abroad have signed up to join some 500 local hopefuls in the Philippine Aquatics, Inc. (PAI) National Trials -- 50-meter (long course) and 25-meter (short course) – Swimming Championships slated on Aug. 15-18 and Aug. 20-23, respectively, at the Teofilo Ildefonso swimming pool of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

PAI secretary-general and Batangas 1st District Rep. Eric Buhain said the positive response from Filipino-Foreign athletes was overwhelming as it validated the association’s foremost intent to unite the swimming community and pushed for inclusivity in forming a solid national team.

“Surprised, in a very positive way, with this development. We welcome them, arms wide open, and thankful that Filipino-Foreign athletes are now showing a big desire to join our national pool.

“And now they’re coming and willing to be evaluated by PAI. If they’re truly good, they will join the national pool. We will no longer be swayed by reports of fast times by scouts and managers, we must see them to believe. The same goes for our homegrown swimmers from all over the Philippines,” said Buhain, a two-time Olympian and Philippine Sports Hall-of-Famer.

The National tryouts will be the basis for the selection of members of the Philippine team to this year’s World Aquatics World Cup (25-meter short course), 46th Southeast Asian Age Group Championships, and next year’s World Aquatics Championships on July 11-15 in Singapore (50-meter-long course).

The World Series comprises competition on Oct. 18-20 (Series 1) in Shanghai, China; Series 2 on Oct. 24-26 in Incheon, South Korea; and Series 3 on Oct. 31 to Nov. 2 in Singapore. The series culminates with the Championships on Dec. 10-15 in Budapest, Hungary. Likewise, the 46th SEA Age Group is slated on Dec. 6-8 in Bangkok, Thailand.