400 tankers vie in ASAP swim meet

MANILA, Philippines - Over 400 swimmers from Metro Manila and the provinces are seeing action in the second ASAP (Aquatic Sports Association of the Philippines) age group swimming competition set Aug. 29-30 at the Rizal Memorial pool.

ASAP president Ma. Luz Arzaga-Mendoza said the competition is open to boys and girls aged 5 years and above, including out-of-towners and members of the Philippine Amateur Swimming Association (PASA).

Among the PASA swimmers competing in the event are Vincent and Nikki Alvarez, Hilario Davide and Patrick Tierre.

The events include 6-under, 11-12, 13-14, 15-17 and 18-above age categories.

ASAP secretary general Susan Papa said the competing clubs come from Metro Manila, Bohol, Bicol, Pampanga, Leyte and Bacolod.

“We welcome all others who want to join the ASAP competition – whatever association they belong to,” said Mendoza of the event, which drew over 500 participants the first time it was held at the same venue last month.

Papa, a former national swimmer, said the tournament has the go-signal of the International Swimming Federation (FINA), the event being an age-group competition held in line with the association’s grassroots development program.

The competition is supported by Rotary International District 3810 under Gov. Connie Beltran through the effort of the Rotary Club of Manila Remedios Circle headed by Marcelino Arzaga Dalin.