PASA holds national youth swim trials

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Aquatics Sports Association in coordination with the City of Makati will hold the National Youth Swim Team Selection Trials or NYTEST starting today at the Makati Aquatic Center.

The three-day meet is being held as part of the series of qualification tournaments in forming a team that would compete in several international tournaments including the Arafura Games in Darwin, Australia this May.

The top performers will also get the chance to represent the country in the Southeast Asian Age Group Swimming Championships in Vietnam in June as well as the Asian Age Group Swimming Championships in Indonesia in September.

PASA president Mark Joseph said a record 319 entries coming from all over the country have registered in the qualifying meet seeking slots in the national squad.

“The NYTEST will also give new young swimmers a chance to be discovered for the SEA Games to replace the national championships as well as serve as role models just like James and Robert Walsh, who have graduated now entering medical and law school,” said Joseph, who is also the Philippine Olympic Committee deputy secretary-general.

Joseph also said the event will coincide with Makati City’s annual Caracol Fiesta as well as the original People Power Revolution, which celebrates its 25th year anniversary.

“We also find the opening day auspicious because it’s the same day that we celebrate 25 years since Edsa 1,” said Joseph.