By: Coach Emer Matienzo

Quezon City, Philippines— The 2nd Cavite Sealions Invitational Swim Series, held yesterday at the Diliman Preparatory School swimming pool, proved to be a thrilling arena for competitive swimming, where talent, determination, and sportsmanship took center stage. With 16 teams vying for supremacy, the meet, organized by the Solid Coaches Association of the Philippines (SCAP) under the stewardship of Coach Ronald Nicdao and hosted by the Cavite Sealion Swimming Club led by Coach Joseph Lanante, delivered an unforgettable day of aquatic action.

The competition kicked off bright and early at 8:30 AM with the novice swimmers taking to the water. These young athletes, many of whom were only a month removed from their learn-to-swim programs, showcased their burgeoning talent in front of an enthusiastic crowd. The stands were packed with parents, coaches, and supporters whose cheers created an electrifying atmosphere. For many of these swimmers, this was their first taste of competitive swimming, and they did not disappoint.

By 11:30 AM, the novice meet wrapped up, leading to a flurry of excitement as medals and high point awards (MOS) were handed out. Among the standout swimmers were Anastasia Claudia Maturan, Jean Gabriel Fernandez, Anastasia Claudia Alves, and Asher Ang Viray, who demonstrated incredible potential in their respective events. Other notable performers included Alissa Cassandra Maturan, Christian Arby Acebes, and Zia Arnaiz, each showing a level of skill and composure well beyond their years. These swimmers, along with their peers, are being hailed as the future stars of Philippine swimming.

As the day progressed, the competition intensified with the start of the Class ABC division at 12:30 PM. After their warm-ups, the swimmers plunged into a series of tightly contested races. The weather was as cooperative as the athletes were competitive, with clear skies mirroring the focus and determination of the swimmers in the pool. Each race was a display of strategy, speed, and endurance, with swimmers pushing their limits and battling for every inch in the water.

The Brave Dolfins emerged as the dominant force of the meet, clinching the Team Champion title with a commanding 2307 points. Their performance across all divisions was nothing short of spectacular, with swimmers delivering strong finishes in nearly every event. The Cavite Sealions Swim Club, the host team, put up a valiant effort, finishing second with 1974 points, followed closely by the Galleon Tankers Swim Club, who rounded out the top three.

In his post-event address, Coach Ronald Nicdao, President of the Solid Coaches Association of the Philippines, expressed his pride in the day’s success and his optimism for the future. “What we saw today is the product of hard work, dedication, and a love for the sport. These young athletes gave their all, and it’s clear that the future of Philippine swimming is bright. We have a full calendar of events planned for next year, and I can promise you that each one will be as fun-filled, action-packed, and competitive as today’s meet.”

Coach Joseph Lanante, the driving force behind the Cavite Sealion Swimming Club, also shared his thoughts on the event’s success. “We set out to create a meet that was not only competitive but also organized and friendly. I believe we achieved that today. Our swimmers and parents all played a part in making this event special. Looking ahead to our third series, we’re committed to raising the bar even higher. We want to ensure that every swimmer who competes with us leaves with great memories and a desire to keep improving.”

The success of the 2nd Cavite Sealions Invitational Swim Series was made possible thanks to the support of sponsors Yingfa Philippines, RiteMed, Devine’s Medals, Slimmers World, and House of Clog. Their contributions ensured that the event was not just a competition, but a celebration of the sport and its community.

As the swimmers left the pool deck, medals around their necks and smiles on their faces, it was clear that this meet was more than just another competition—it was a stepping stone toward greater achievements in the sport. With more meets on the horizon, including the much-anticipated third series, the Philippine swimming community can look forward to more fast-paced, action-packed events that will continue to foster the growth of these talented young athletes.