THE Philippine Amateur Swimming Association (Pasa) will be holding a national youth team trials this weekend at the Cebu City Sports Complex during the second Osky Mabilog Age Group Championships that will be hosted by the Cebu Blue Marlins (CBM).
The trial will be part of Pasa’s talent identification in preparation for two international tournaments the country will be joining—the 3th Southeast Asian Age Group swimming championship in Manila and the 16th Asian Games in China.
The Osky Mabilog tournament is catered mostly to swimmers from the Visayas and Mindanao. There will be another trial at the Trace Aquatic Complex in Los Baños.
"It is fortunate that the country will host the Sea Age group.
That way, our participation will not be hampered by the expenses of plane tickets. As hosts, we would like as
many swimmers to join to boost the chances of winning the overall title,” said Pasa president Mark Joseph in his communication to the swim club heads.
“Holding the meet early will allow qualifiers more time to prepare including training camps and exposures abroad,” he added.
Osky Mabilog
This Saturday’s event, which also features a competition for athletes with disabilities, has attracted 13 teams.
The other swimmers competing apart from the 40 tankers of the CBM, come from the Biniyaran Tadpoles, the Bohol Dolphins, the Cagayan de Oro Swimming Club, the Coastland Davao Swim Club, the GenSan Warriors Swim Club, the Dadiangas Torpedoes, the United Davao Swim Club, the Negros Oriental Blue Dolphins, the Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club, the North Shores Waves, the Panaad Swim Club, the Silliman University Red Snappers and the Parañaque Thunders.
The swimmers only need to make sure that they post the best time possible.
The swimmers who rank first or second will be eligible for the inclusion as members of Philippine team.
For this weekend, special awards will be given to the most outstanding swimmer, to the team with the best uniform and to the biggest delegation.