OVER 300 swimmers from invited schools, member clubs, and local government units (LGUs) in the Southern Tagalog region are set to join in the Philippine Aquatics Inc. (PAI)-organized Rep. Eric Buhain Cup on Saturday at the newly built Balayan Aquatics Center in Brgy. Caloocan, Balayan, Batangas.
The one-day event, in partnership with the Southern Tagalog Amateur Swimming Association and Speedo, is part of PAI’s relentless efforts to identify talent and strengthen the grassroots sports program in the provinces.
“The event culminates with a short program for the groundbreaking of the extension and improvement of the swimming pool. Kailangan ayusin natin itong facility, hindi lang para sa taga-Balayan, o taga-Batangas, kungdi para sa buong Pilipinas at ng magamit ito ng ating mga batang swimmers,” said PAI Secretary General and Batangas 1st District Rep. Eric Buhain.
Buhain added that PAI also prioritizes the coaches’ development, with the scheduled seminars on March 24 and 25 at the Orchid Garden Hotel with no less than Olympic coach Derric Schoof of Canada as speaker.
PAI Executive Director Anthony Reyes said that part of the seminar is the interaction of Schoof and his protegee Kyla Sanchez with selected members of the national training pool and junior swimmers.
Reyes said PAI also conducted a Lifesaving/Emergency Care Seminar last February 22 and 23 and March 1 and 2 to create awareness and teach the benefits of swimming not just as a sport but also as a way to save lives.
