MANILA — Boracay Island is set to become the center of Southeast Asian open water swimming as it hosts the 4th Southeast Asia Open Water Swimming Championships from Aug. 21 to 23, with more than 100 athletes from eight countries expected to compete in the Olympic discipline while boosting the Philippines’ sports tourism campaign.
The three-day regional championship, presented by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), will take place at Boracay Newcoast and is organized by Philippine Aquatics, Inc. (PAI) in partnership with Southeast Asia Aquatics, the provincial government of Aklan, and several national government agencies.
Athletes will battle for honors in the men’s and women’s 3-kilometer, 5-kilometer, and 10-kilometer events.
PAI secretary-general Eric Buhain said hosting the championship marks a significant milestone for Philippine aquatics, emphasizing that open water swimming is part of the Olympic program.
“We are very proud to host this event because open water swimming is an Olympic event,” said Buhain during Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the PSC media room.
Buhain, a former national swimming standout, said organizers expect 100 to 120 participants, including 35 Filipino swimmers, from eight Southeast Asian nations.
He added that the championship also aims to strengthen the country’s reputation as a premier sports tourism destination, following previous editions held in Bali, Indonesia, and Pattaya, Thailand.
“We are also here to promote our country in the same breath that Bali and Pattaya hosted the event. Pagandahan,” added Buhain.
PSC commissioner Fritz Gaston welcomed the staging of the tournament, saying it aligns with the government’s efforts to promote sports tourism through the National Sports Tourism-Inter Agency Committee chaired by PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio.
“I’m also looking forward to this event because of the sports tourism aspect as well as the competition. Philippine Aquatics is on the right track promoting this,” said Gaston.
Aside from the championship races, festival swim events will also be held throughout the three-day competition.
PAI president Michael Vargas said the event is expected to further elevate both open water swimming and Boracay’s status as a world-class sporting destination.
“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,” said Vargas.
Buhain also disclosed that several foreign delegations, including those from Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, and Indonesia, have expressed interest in extending their stay in Boracay after the competition.
“Very curious ang Philippine Aquatics to uplift open water swimming in our country,” said Buhain./PN
