Gov. Umali swimming meet slated April 14 in Calapan

MANILA, Philippines - Over 250 swimmers from Southern Tagalog and other regions will clash for honors in the first Gov. Alfonso Umali swimming meet, second leg of the Philippine Swimming League circuit, April 14 in Calapan, Mindoro.

The open competition will be held for swimmers six years old and under and 12 other age groups from seven to 17 years and 18 and above. Events on tap in each category are the freestyle, butterfly, breaststroke and backstroke.

Gov. Umali, who offered the free use of the swimming pool, is hosting the event in cooperation with Buddy Maulion, coach of the Raging Paddlers of Mindoro.

PSL president Susan Papa said participants will come from the Bicol region, Olongapo, Baguio, Ilocos, Davao, Angeles, Pampanga, Quezon, Marikina, Navotas, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas and Metro Manila.

Winners will receive gold, silver and bronze medals while trophies will be awarded to the most outstanding boys and girls swimmers in each age band.

Papa said the top 16 winners will qualify for the second Nikki Coseteng Swimming Championships set May 19-20 at the Rizal Memorial swimming pool. Every male or female swimmer that breaks or registers a quadruple A at the Coseteng meet will be eligible to compete in an international competition for free.