Organizers await Asian Aquatics' response on postponement of Asian Age Group swim tilt

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Aquatics Inc. (PA) clarified that the postponement for the hosting of the 11th Asian Age Group Swimming Championships has not yet been confirmed, as the Asian Aquatics has no formal response to the request of the Local Organizing Committee (LOL).

In a letter sent to all swimming clubs and organizations nationwide duly signed by Philippine Aquatics president Miko Vargas and Secretary-general Batangas 1st District Rep. Eric Buhain, clarification was also announced that the “request for postponement” is not coming from Philippine Aquatics but from the LOC, which was tasked by the Asian Aquatics to organize the hosting through a memorandum of agreement.

The LOC is composed of the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA), Philippine Olympic Committee and Philippine Aquatics.

“It is essential to clarify that the Philippine Aquatics, Inc., operates as a part of the LOC, responsible primarily for addressing the technical requirements and the selection of Philippine Team members. In adherence to standard preparation protocols for significant competitions, we have already identified and qualified participants for the Asian Age Group Aquatics Championships under the presumption that the originally scheduled dates would remain unaltered,” Philippine Aquatics stated in the letter dated October 20.

“On October 19, 2023, an email was transmitted by the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) to the President of Asia Aquatics, formally requesting the postponement of the 11th Asian Age Group Aquatics Championship to February 24.  At this juncture, we would like to emphasize that Asia Aquatics has not yet arrived at a conclusive decision concerning the approval of this postponement,” it added.

However, Philippine Aquatics officials assured swimmers, parents, coaches and parties concerned that “in the event of a confirmed postponement, we commit to making the requisite adjustments and issuing a subsequent announcement in a timely manner”.

“We extend our gratitude to the Aquatics community in the Philippines for their unwavering support and understanding as we await the final decision regarding the rescheduling of the 11th Asian Age Group Aquatics Championship,” said the letter.