GREG Anthony Muyong and Marcus Caleb Pablo grabbed two gold medals in their respective class as the Congress of the Philippine Aquatics, Inc. (COPA) celebrated the return of the Novice swim meet with the participation of hard-up students from public schools yesterday at the Teofilo Ildefonso swimming pool inside the historic Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
Muyong, 14, of Green Blasters Swim Club, topped the boys’ 14-years Class A 50-meter freestyle (27.90) and 100-m individual medley (1:09.90) while Pablo, of Aquaknights, topped the 6-years old category in the 50-m freestyle (57.41) and 25-m breaststroke (28.91) to emerge as the most promising swimmers in the two-day event as part of COPA’s grassroots sports program.
COPA founder and Batangas 1st District Rep. Eric Buhain, along with coach Chito Rivera and Richard Luna, awarded the medals to all winners after delivering an inspirational message, particularly to the young swimmers from public schools who dream of joining competitive tournaments.
“Walang dapat maging sagabal sa ating mga pangarap. Hindi dito natatapos ang inyong pag-pupursige, every tournament dapat laging misyon ninyo ay ma-improve ang inyong mga oras. Nakakapagod, pero kailangan nating mag-tiyaga ang mag-sakripisyo para maabot natin ang ating pangarap. Kami po sa COPA ay handang gumabay sa inyong lahat, lalo na sa mga batang nagnanais matuto at humusay,” said the two -time Olympian and SEA Games multi-medalist.
“Maraming nagtatanong sa akin kung ano ang nararamdaman ko dahil hanggang ngayon ay wala pang nakakabura sa six-gold medal na nakuha sa SEA Games noong 1991. Dito sa mismong swimming pool na nilanguyan ninyo nagawa ko ang record. Ang sagot ko, malungoit si Eric Buhain dahil mahabang taon na ang nakalipas wala pang nakakabura sa record. Sa inyong hanay, umaasa ako na magmumula sa inyo ang bubura sa record ni Eric Buhai,” added the former Philippine Sports Commission and Games and Amusements Board Chairman.
Rivera, the head coach of Jose Rizal University, said it is Buhain’s idea and mission to strengthen the program in the grassroots level not just for swimmers affiliated with COPA’s club members but to all young swimmers, particularly students from public schools.
“Itong mga batang ito ay hindi na mag-aalala kung saan nila kukunin ang mga gastusin para makalangoy. Nakikipag-usap na ang COPA sa DepEd at sa iba’t ibang local na pamahalaan, through our cluster officials, para magabayan sila at makasali sa mga tournaments,” said Rivera.
Other winners in the meet also supported by Speedo were Roderick Gonzalvo in the 50-m free Class A 13-years (27.30); Matthew Paz (Class B, 38.70); Elijah Manalili (Class C, 40.82); Daniel Karl Glory in 50-m 14 years Class B (36.40); Dannish Londob (Class C, 39.40); boys 15 50m free Alvin Marticion (Clas A 25.80); Carl Malbas (Class B, 33.30); Jhonny Mendoza and Roldan Seiga (Class C, 37.40); 7-years old 25m breast Caleb Immanuel Pascia (31.31); boys 11-years 100-m IM Kurt Exebia (1:27.00); Rodevic Gonza;vo (boys 14, 1:05.40); Benjie Manto (boys 6 50-m free, 57.41); Achilles Calingo (boys 7, 58.98); Brennan Batchao in boys 8 (class A, 27.33); Nathan Bayron (Class C, 37.80); Kai Mangubat in the boys 10 breaststroke (Class A, 21.54); Yuan Dela Cruz (Class B, 24.60); John Catindig (Class C, 27.50); Clarez Layos in 11-years breaststroke (Class A, 21.30); Kurt Exebia (Class B, 22.70); Corvin Mcmeans (Class C, 27.00).
Action resumes today, Sunday, with the girl’s division.
