Asian Age Group Championships organizers draw praises from World Aquatics

MANILA, Philippines —  Organizers of the recent 11th Asian Age Group Aquatics Championships (AAGC) at the New Clark City Aquatics Center in Capas, Tarlac drew praises for a job well done.

Exceptional even is how Capt. Husain Al-Musallam, president of the world governing body in aquatics, described the country’s hosting of the 33-nation event that the World Aquatics (WA) even authorized as an Olympic Qualifying event.

“Before I came here, I was not thinking about the facility I will see, but what I saw was beautiful,” Al-Musallam said during his visit and ocular of the whole hosting near the end of competitions last week. “It’s not just Asia but you can host world events.”

The AAGC organizers, led by Philippine Aquatics, Inc. (PAI) in partnership with the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), were present when the World Aquatics top executive went on with his accolades.

“The volunteers, the organizing committee, the Philippine Aquatics (Inc.), the city, the airport – all one team.  It’s very rare do you find everybody together, everybody working to create a very good environment for the athletes to compete.”

The World Aquatics was aware hosting the AAGC is a very challenging task, with over 1,400 athletes, coaches and trainers in attendance.

The Philippine Aquatics, Inc. did a good job with tremendous support from various sectors.

“What I have said before is you deserved a 10,” said Al-Musallam on the Philippine effort.

PAI, led by president Michael “Miko” Vargas, humbly accepted the high rating from the WA. “We truly appreciate not only your presence but also the support and guidance you’ve been giving to aquatics in Asia, especially the Philippines.”