Peace, unity swim draws big support

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Peace and Unity Swim, a marathon swimming relay that aims to break the Guinness world record, gathered more support as the organizing Diliman Preparatory School and Susan Papa Swimming Academy started the countdown for the epic event set Dec. 10-11 at the DPS Swimming Center in Fairview, Quezon City.

Former Sen. Nikki Coseteng, DPS president and chief executive officer, said over 5,000 students, faculty and employees of DPS are participating in the event, which aims to break the mark for a 24-hour, non-stop swim in an 18.3-meter swimming pool by 5,028 swimmers in Italy.

The event, also an advocacy event which aims to gather all sectors of society in a show of unity and peace, has drawn the support of the government sector, led by the departments of education and health and the Philippine Sports Commission, and various representatives from the private sector.

Coseteng herself will swim the record-breaking lap – the 5029th – while Asian Games veteran Susan Papa will swim to tie the record of 5,028 by an Italian club last July.

By coming in full force to support the advocacy swim, DPS stands to become the school with the biggest representation in the event where private employees, athletes, executives, fitness buffs as well as religious groups and a wide cross section of society are participating.

Fr. Grato Germaneto, priest and adviser of St. Gerome Emiliani Parish in Alabang, Muntinlupa, has given his blessings for the success of the Peace and Unity Swim.

“We pray that the Great Pinoy’s Peace and Unity swim breaks the world record,” said Fr. Germaneto, who is from Italy, where the record was last established. “It’s not just a matter of swimming, Philippines must swim also with speed to break the record.”