Insider Spotlight
A total of 113 swimmers from eight of Southeast Asia’s 11 countries will compete in the three-day championships, giving open water swimming another regional platform while providing a boost to tourism on the island.
Why it matters
“Indonesia had its Bali, Thailand had its Pattaya, and now the Philippines has Boracay to be proud of, so we can anticipate even more swimmers and tourists to watch the open water swimming meet,” Philippine Aquatics Inc. secretary general Eric Buhain said in a press statement.
The event also highlights collaboration between sports bodies, government agencies and private stakeholders, with the National Sports Tourism Inter-Agency Committee headed by PSC Chair Patrick Gregorio supporting the project.
“The 4th SEA Open Water Championships is another prime example where government, private stakeholders and National Sports Associations can pool their resources and efforts together in successfully staging an international sporting event,” Gregorio said.
The bigger picture
Beyond competition, organizers expect the championships to showcase Boracay to visiting athletes, officials and spectators while generating economic activity for local communities.
“This sporting event not only advances the growth of open water swimming in Southeast Asia, but also shines a spotlight on Boracay island as a true gem of the region, while reflecting the warmth and hospitality of the Filipino people,” Philippine Aquatics Inc. (PAI) president Michael Vargas said.
PAI executive director Anthony Reyes said Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam and the Philippines will compete in the Southeast Asian Swimming Federation-sanctioned championships.
What’s next
The Philippines is hosting the regional open water showcase for the first time, with races taking place off the 150-hectare Boracay Newcoast tourism estate being developed by Megaworld. —Vanessa Hidalgo| Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
