By: Coach Emer Matienzo
Manila, Philippines – The Short Course Swim Finals, Class A, B, and C Category, a Hongkong Qualifying Meet, dubbed as the HK Stingrays Summer Sizzler 2023, was successfully held on April 29, 2023, at the Philippine Columbian Association, Plaza Dilao, Manila, Philippines. The event was presented by the South Warriors Swimming Team and Cavite Blue Wahoos Swim Team, supported by the Swim League Philippines and Splash N’ Dash.
A total of 258 swimmers from 22 teams participated in the competition, showcasing their skills in various events. The top 3 FINA points awardees for girls were Leyran, Raina Samantha 15 from the South Warriors Swim Team, with 3,079 points; Baraquiel, Shania Joy F 17 from the Cavite Sea Beast Swimming Club with 2,999 points, and Panganiban, Lorraine 16 from the Cavite Blue Wahoo Swimming C with 2,653 points.
The high point awards were also given by division, Class A, B, and C, with remarkable swimmers standing out in each category. Ruvic Heredero of Puerto Princesa Palawan Hammerhead Sharks won for 7-8 years old boys, Marcus Jared Dula of South Warriors Swimming Team for 9-10 years old boys, Richard Nielson Navo of Cavite Seabeast Swimming Club for 11-12 years old boys, Elijah Ebayan of South Warriors Swimming Teams for 13-14 years old boys, Angelo Gabriel Sadol of Coach Agot Swimming Team for 15-16 year old boys, and Emmanuel Buenaventura of St. Stephen’s Swimming Team for 17 and over category. Meanwhile, Sofia Villa of Batang Olongapo Swimming Team won for under 6 years old, Kendra Larrobis of Cavite Seabeast Swimming Club for 7-8 years old, Erin Monzon of St. Stephen’s Swimming Team for 9-10 years old, Crystal Ava David of Aquaphoenix Swim Team for 11-12 years old, Alexandra Marie Rejuso of Coach Agot Swim Team for 13-14 years old, Raina Samantha Leyran of South Warriors Swimming Teams for 15-16 years old, and Lei Allesa Bergonio of Fighting Krakens Swim Club for 17 and over.
The competition was highly competitive, with the top three teams, Cavite Seabeast Swimming Club, South Warriors Swim Team, and Puerto Princesa Hammerheadsharks, earning the most points with 1845.5, 1470.5, and 1197, respectively.
Furthermore, the host team will also pay for the entry fee of 750 Hong Kong dollars for four boys and four girls swimmers in the Hong Kong Island Stingrays Invitational 2023 to be held on June 9-11, 2023, at Hong Kong International School in Tai Tam Hong Kong.
The event was a great success, showcasing the talents and skills of young swimmers, with the support of the community, Swim League Philippines, and Splash N’ Dash. Congratulations to all the winners and participants, and we look forward to seeing more great performances in the future.