Philippines hosting strong Asian swimfest in Tarlac

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines will be hosting a qualifying event for the coming Paris Olympics.

The 11th Asian Age-Group Swimming Championships will serve as qualifier to this year’s Summer Games, adding significance to the Feb. 26 to March 9 event at the New Clark City Aquatics Center in Capas, Tarlac.

The good news was relayed by the event organizers led by Rep. Eric Buhain, secretary-general of the Philippine Aquatics Inc., during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum yesterday at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex conference hall.

“Just two days ago, it has been declared the tournament is Olympic Qualifying event for Paris,” said Organizing Committee president and CEO Joseph “Jojit” Alcazar, who joined COO Dave Carter and Buhain in the weekly session presented by San Miguel Corp., Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Milo, PLDT/Smart, and ArenaPlus, the leading sports entertainment gateway in the Philippines.

Buhain added, “That also means there will be world-class swimmers coming in and doing their best to make the qualifying times for Paris. So napakalaking opportunity ito to host and see these swimmers. Bihirang-bihira na makakita tayo ng ganitong kalibreng mga atleta sa larangan ng aquatics na darating dito sa ating bansa.”

Around 1,300 athletes from 31 countries are expected to come over and compete in the four disciplines at stake, namely swimming, diving, artistic swimming and water polo.