Boracay’s reputation as the country’s premier island beach destination is expected to attract more participants and visitors for the 4th Southeast Asian Open Water Championships, presented by the Philippine Sports Commission, from Aug. 21 to 23 at Boracay Newcoast in Malay, Aklan.
“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,” said Philippine Aquatics Inc. secretary-general Eric Buhain during the recent Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum.
PAI executive director Anthony Reyes, who also attended the forum, revealed that at least eight of the 11 member nations of the Southeast Asian Swimming Federation — which sanctions the three-day championships — have confirmed their participation.
“They are Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Timor Leste, Vietnam, and of course, host Philippines,” Reyes said, referring to the country’s first time hosting the regional open water swimming championships at the scenic 150-hectare Boracay Newcoast tourism estate developed by real estate giant Megaworld.
“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,” PAI president Miko Vargas said in a statement.
Buhain said organizers are expecting around 200 swimmers to compete in the official medal events — the men’s and women’s 5-kilometer and 10-kilometer races — which will be held over a 1.66-kilometer square course inside the island’s cove during the early morning.
“But we can expect more participants in the open water festival in the 3 and 5-kilometer distances that will coincide with the regular meet, so the numbers will swell, which is in keeping with PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio’s sports tourism advocacy,” added the former national swimming standout.
Buhain also acknowledged the full support of the Malay municipal government and the Aklan provincial government, led by Mayor Frolibar Bautista and Governor Jose Miraflores, respectively.
The former lawmaker and sportsman likewise cited the assistance of the National Sports Tourism Interagency Committee, headed by PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio, for its role in staging the event.
“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.
“Not only is this competition a boon for open swimming development in the country, but it is also a huge boost for local tourism. This is a win-win situation for everybody, so we salute the PAI under the leadership of President Miko Vargas for hosting the event here,” he added.
Both Buhain and Reyes emphasized that organizers have put extensive safety measures in place to ensure the smooth conduct of the three-day meet, including lifeguards, life rafts, medical teams, and other support personnel stationed at strategic points along the course.
“Even when the swimmers train, we see to it that all of these conditions are in place before they work out in open water, more so in actual competition,” they said.
