THE San Carlos City Government, in cooperation with the “The Marlins” swimming club and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), held the 1st Open Water Swimming Competition on Wednesday, November 3, 2021.
A total of 24 swimmers competed in four categories -- the 13 years old and under boys and girls 500-meter distances and over 13 years old boys and girls 1-km. distances along the coastal waters of the boulevard and People’ Park.
The winners in the 13 years old and under boys were Luke Roland B. Pama, Eddan Erl Chelit A. Russia and George Andrew D. Acuin who ranked first, second and third placers, respectively.
Jayann F. Operio bagged the first place in the 13 years old and under girls, followed by Jarence Ynomie B. Oniot and Sofiel Ellese A. Russia on the second and third place, respectively.
For over 13 years old boys, John Ryan T. Baculao won, followed by Jerwin D. Molas in the second place and and Banjo B. Sermon on the third place.
Winners for the over 13 years old girls were Jeshanna Loize C. Oquiana, Angelee Kirsten C. Soria and Lexie Batusbatusan, who clinched the first, second and third places, respectively.
First placers for each categories received P1,500 in cash, second placers - P1,000 and third placers - P200, aside from medals and certificates.
Members of the San Carlos Association of Mountain Bikers (Scamb) also participated in the event through a fun swim with a distance of one kilometer.
Mayor Renato Gustilo said he planned with Vice Mayor Christopher Paul Carmona to also focus on swimming to be able to produce best swimmers who can compete in the provincial to regional levels in the future.
He also urged competitors to do their best since the office of the vice mayor will be allotting more budget for the said sports.
Carmona, meanwhile, reminded the swimmers to aim to compete not only within the city waters but also in other areas because local government officials are willing to support them 100 percent.
Coach Tomas Katalbas of the San Carlos Swimming Club “The Marlins” is grateful that the said competition was finally realized after years of planning, which also provided the young swimmers an outlet for their swimming skills with the on-going pandemic restrictions
Present during the event were Province of Negros Occidental Sports Coordinator Anthony Agustin and Jesus Facundo Combate Jr. OIC of the City Sports Office. (PR)