PSL to teach swimming to street dwellers

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Swimming League and the Center for Community Transformation have joined hands to train street dwellers in swimming in the CCT Group Ministry’s proposed sports complex in Magdalena, Laguna.

PSL president Susan Papa and CCT president Ruth Callanta have agreed in principle to undertake a continuing sports program for the CCT community where a swimming center will be constructed for the regular training of street dwellers under the outreach program of the PSL.

“We will give these children a better life, it is by God’s grace. I am overwhelmed and excited at the opportunity to be able to share something with the less fortunate,” said Papa, who is also president of the Susan Papa Swimming Academy, which will be directly involved in the swimming program.

The CCT, an organized Christian response against poverty and social injustice, serves urban and rural poor communities throughout the Philippines in pursuit of its vision to see changed lives, strong families, and transformed communities centered on the leadership of Christ.

Callanta also got the support of German coaches Sascha Riaz and Fabian Stengel, who will be in the Philippines to provide the children land training and ball game skills.

Papa said the children will also participate in the Peace and Unity Swim, a 24-hour marathon non-stop relay event to be held at Diliman Preparatory School in Fairview, Quezon City on Dec. 10.

Papa, who also belongs to a religious organization, said she was impressed with the attention the street children are getting at their new home.

“It’s a great environment for kids without a home – they have food to eat, dormitory to stay in, school for education and a sports center to make them fit. I trust they can be developed into champions and great individuals. You can never tell perhaps they can be leaders of our country as well,” said Papa. “These kids have started to call me coach. It’s a wonderful feeling.”