DPS starts spadework for Peace and Unity Swim

MANILA, Philippines - The Diliman Preparatory School, known for its highly innovative educational and sports programs, aims to rewrite a page in the Guinness Book of World Records with the staging of a 24-hour, non-stop marathon swim relay dubbed Peace and Unity Swim right at its home on Commonwealth Ave., Quezon City.

Through the leadership of its president-CEO, former Sen. Nikki Coseteng, DPS started the spadework last week for the construction of an 18.3m swimming pool on its main campus well ahead of the staging of the event on Dec. 10.

The DPS Swimming Center will be the venue of the Peace and Unity Swim, which aims to assemble over 5,028 swimmers to break the Guinness record currently held by Italy for the most number of swimmers in a swimming relay in a pool of the same length in 24 hours.

Sen. Coseteng was joined in the ground-breaking ceremonies by DPS executive director Lycette Ventura, Diliman Computer Technology Institute (DCTI) executive director Perry Coseteng, school founder and chairperson emeritus Prof. Ofelia Angangco, contractor Manny De Guzman, and Susan Papa, president of the Philippine Swimming League, which will stage the event.

Coseteng said the DPS has already received numerous inquiries for participation in the event which will be held for the first time in the Philippines.

“The event has the dual purpose of bringing together Filipinos, regardless of beliefs and background, in a show of peace and unity at an important stage of our history while we hope to land in the Guinness Book,” said Coseteng.

The advocacy swim will also serve as the formal launching of the DPS Swimming Center, which will include three pools – for toddlers, elementary graders and high school students.

Coseteng said swimming will be taught at all levels starting next school year under the supervision of the PSL and will be a major part of the school’s sports program, which initially includes chess, taekwondo and basketball.

DPS expects to bring together over 6,000 swimmers, including students, parents, teachers, celebrities, athletes and representatives of various sectors from all over the country.

She said invitation is open to all swimmers – competitive, beginners or anybody who can swim without support.