Swimming coach invites differently-abled athletes to join Team Cebu City

After a successful stint in the 1st Philippine Olympic Festival, swimming coach Rolando Alvarez is pursuing a worthy cause of developing more differently-abled swimmer like him.

Alvarez, a polio victim himself, never made his disability a hindrance as he went on to mold youngsters to be champion swimmers.

But his time came when the Philippine Amateur Swimming Association (PASA) included in its program a category for the differently-abled swimmers.

In its latest bid, the four-man Team Cebu City, which was led by Alvarez, claimed a total of nine golds and four silvers.

Inspired by their success story, Alvarez is inviting all persons with disabilities to join the team.

Interested parties may call 419-6459 or at 0916-4553914 or look for coach Alvarez at the Cebu City Sports Center.

TCC as early as this time is gearing up for the 4th PHILSPADA National Games set in Bacolod next year.

The PHILSPADA event will be the selection process for athletes, who will represent the country in international events in 2007.

In related development, Alvarez is thanking all those who supported their bid in Laguna including the Cebu City Government through the Cebu City Sports Commission, Sogod, Leyte Mayor Sheffered Lino Tan, Oliver Ouano of Virginia Farms, Inc., Mr. and Mrs. Nestor Baguio, Mr. and Mrs. Ian Bickerstaff, Henry See, Bianca Cabellon, Mr. & Mrs. Joel James Busa, Roland dela Torre, Dodo Alvarez, Mr. & Mrs. John Ko, Mr. & Mrs. Linbergh Go, Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Capacio and the University of Cebu through its Athletic Department.

"We are very thankful for all those who supported us in our trip in Laguna," says Alvarez.