Albay governor throws support to young Bicol swimmers

MANILA, Philippines - Albay Gov. Joey Salceda, impressed with the performance of his Bicol swimming protégés in the Singapore Island Country Club swimming meet recently, vowed to intensify the province’s grassroots program with the rehabilitation of its 50m swimming pool in Legaspi.

Salceda made the announcement during a courtesy call of the Ibalong Magayon Aquagliders, led by Trisha Anne Oliveros, winner of the most outstanding award in the 11-12 years category in the meet which gathered over 200 age groupers from Thailand, China, Brunei, Malaysia and Hong Kong.

The 10 swimmers, who all brought home medals from the competition, were each cited in a City Council resolution commending them individually for giving honor to the province. The swimmers garnered 15 gold, 12 silver and nine bronze medals, with Oliveros accounting for a 2-7-3 gold-silver-bronze medal haul.

Also on hand to greet the swimmers were Vice Gov. Harold Imperial and provincial board member Jaime Andes.

In addition, Salcedo pledged a monthly financial support to the club for its grassroots developmental programs.

Susan Papa, founder and president of the Philippine Swimming League and head of the delegation, said the Aquagliders of Gov. Salcedo have resumed training for more international and local competitions scheduled until the end of the year.

They will again compete in Singapore in November and in Bangkok in December.

“We’re proud of these young swimmers. They are all upbeat and motivated to practice, and with the rehab of the swimming pool which they can use for their training, the Aquagliders can look forward to improving their performance,” said Papa.