MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino has been invited to swim the first lap of the 24-hour non-stop marathon which aims to break the existing Guinness record for the most number of swimmers.
The 24-hour non-stop marathon dubbed Peace and Unity Swim to be held on Dec. 10 at Diliman Preparatory School in Quezon City tries to break the world record set in Italy.
A total of 5,028 swimmers completed a commulative distance of 92 kilometers in a pool in 24 hours time in Padova last June 11 and 12.
Barely two weeks before the record breaking event, President Aquino lauded and congratulated participants and organizers of the Great Pinoy Peace and Unity Swim.
“My warmest greetings to the participants of The Great Pinoy Peace and Unity Swim and my heartfelt congratulations to Diliman Preparatory School and Susan Papa Swim Academy for organizing this event,” said the President in his letter to former senator Nikki Coseteng and Susan Papa.
The President also said in his letter that “ it is through sports that the Filipino people imbibe discipline, competitiveness, determination, and sportsmanship – values that will benefit the youth and their future endeavors and contribute to collective task of rebuilding the nation and empowering society.”
Earlier, the Department of Education, Philippine Sports Commission and the National Capital Region Police Office also expressed their support in the record breaking attempt.
Quezon City Police District director Chief Supt. Benjardi Mantele has committed 3,000 police officers to join the marathon swim while PSC chair Richie Garcia instructed the National Sports Association Affairs Office to coordinate and provide assistance in the conduct of the event.
Led by PBA superstar James Yap, the B-Meg Derby Ace Llamados have also committted to join the maratjon relay swim.