Ex-Asian Gamer holds swim clinic

MANILA, Philippines - The Ral Rosario Swimming Team starts the third leg of its Milo-sponsored Learn-to-Swim Summer Program in different venues nationwide on Monday. It will run until May 10.

Aside from teaching mostly young kids, some of them preparing for competitive swimming, Rosario’s program includes modules for kids gearing up for triathlons, adults who are into physical fitness regimens, and for the differently-abled like amputees and special children.

“Since 2000 when Philspada requested us to train two of its swimmers for an international competition in Malaysia and they did well, we have already established a long-term relationship with them, providing continuous training for their swimmers, at the same time that we have been accepting other differently-abled people from kids to adults in our regular programs, “ said Rosario, an Asian Games gold medalist during his prime.

Tasked to handle these special cases is Tony Ong, also the swimming head coach of Philspada.

“Over the years, our program for this has evolved as we take into consideration the conditions of these swimmers, particularly for special children and do small groups only. But for amputees, we try to integrate their training with our regular program, “ said Ong.

Three Philspada national swimmers – Arnel Aba, Ernie Gawilan, and Remigio Lobos – are undergoing regular training under Ong, together with two other amputees, Paul Pastoral, a leg bone cancer victim, and Roland Sabido, who met a motorcycle accident. Pastoral and Sabido are both eyeing stints with the national team.

For those interested to join the Ral Rosario Swimming Team summer program, call 401 5437 and 216 4761, or visit www.milo.com.ph. The fourth module is from May 13 to 24, and the fifth May 27-June 7.