Leaders from the Congress of Philippine Aquatics, Inc. and Swimming League Philippines, two of the country’s biggest and most organized swimming associations, have put their best foot forward to unite the swimming community and consolidate all programs and activities for the betterment of Philippine swimming.
COPA president Batangas 1st District Rep. Eric Buhain and SLP chief Fred Ancheta met over the weekend and discussed some pressing issues particularly the advancement and upliftment of Filipino swimmers.
“This is good for Philippine swimming as both leaders acknowledge the importance of inclusiveness and collaboration for the betterment of all stakeholders, the athletes in particular and the Philippine sports in general,” said Buhain, a two-time Olympian and Philippine Sports Hall-of-Famer.
For his part, Ancheta stressed that meeting the legendary swimmer on the issue of unity is long overdue, as he remained steadfast to support any program beneficial for homegrown swimmers, including those in the grassroots level.
“We’re very happy and proud to be part of the new dawn in Philippine swimming. The SLP from the time of the late swimming icon Susan Papa to the leadership of my predecessor Joan Mojdeh has always after the swimmer’s welfare,” stressed Ancheta.
Both COPA and SLP boast of a wide range of programs for their more than a hundred regional members nationwide.
Ancheta discussed to Buhain the willingness of SLP to open all of its tournaments to COPA members and other clubs and groups that are not affiliated with either of the two associations.
Buhain, for his part, said COPA, since its formation in 2018, has organized events and tournaments open to all swimming groups regardless of its affiliation.
Both leaders also expressed their desire for a coaches’ education exchange program to strengthen the level of knowledge and competitiveness of local coaches.
“‘Yung exclusiveness na policy before ang talagang inaayawan namin. We in COPA, are always after the welfare of all athletes. Sa aming tournament, libreng nakakasali ang mag estudyante mula sa public schools. This year, isinama na rin namin sa aming programa ang BiFin at para athletes,” said Buhain.
Ancheta said he sought the help of Buhain for the legislation of the Drown Free Philippines and Coaches Development and Enhancement Program, SLP’s centerpiece programs for their members in the provinces.
“Kung maging batas ito, mas maraming makikinabang at matutulungan dahil maging sa schools, sa mga barangay at komunidad ay magiging mandatory itong training. Although, napapalibutan ang bansa ng karagatan, maraming kaso na naitatala na nalunod,” said Ancheta.
Ancheta also expressed his full support to Buhain if ever the SEA Games’ record holder decides to run for the presidency of the World Aquatics-backed national election in swimming set June 15.
Under the supervision of the Electorate Committee, headed by POC secretary general Atty. Edwin Gastanes, all swimming clubs were requested to register and participate in the area/regional election to elect one representative for the 11-man Board of Trustees. The BOT then convenes to elected the new president of the swimming association.