August 2, 2025

ANTIPOLO CITY — The usually serene waters of the Assumption Antipolo swimming pool turned into a vibrant sea of cheers, splashes, and smiles today as 16 swim teams dove into action at the SeaDragon Swimming Club Novice Meet “Swim for a Cause.”

Hosted by the ever-enthusiastic and tireless Coach Malou Moraña, the meet aimed to raise both heart rates and funds — the latter for a truly noble cause: helping young Addison Louise M. Guardiano in her journey toward a life-saving open heart surgery. Despite her medical condition, Addison was full of life, waving joyfully to everyone and becoming an inspiration to many throughout the event.

“This is more than just a competition,” said Coach Malou, her whistle hanging from her neck like a badge of honor. “It’s about giving kids their first big splash and helping another little warrior fight her battle.”

SWIM, SHOUT, SMILE!
The event saw the participation of novice swimmers — many of them fresh graduates from summer swim programs — making their first official plunge into the competitive scene. With distances mostly limited to 25 meters, you could see a delightful mix of wobbly kicks, energetic strokes, and yes, the occasional wrong lane panic.

A seven years old swimmer, who accidentally wore his goggles upside down, still managed to butterfly his way to the finish line — sort of. “I thought the pool was longer!” he said, grinning, clearly unbothered by the sideways goggle marks on his cheeks.

First-time jitters? Oh, they were everywhere — from trembling hands on the starting block to nervous glances at Mom in the stands. But these were quickly washed away by cheers louder than a dolphin pod. The loudest cheers came not from the swimmers, but from their overly-excited parents — some even wearing team colors, waving banners, and recording every splash like proud sports journalists.

INSPIRATION FROM THE TOP
The meet opened with a solemn prayer and the singing of the Philippine National Anthem, followed by a heartfelt message from Swim League Philippines (SLP) President Fred Ancheta, who called on the novice swimmers to swim with heart, swim with joy, and most importantly — never forget to have fun.

“Every Olympian was once a first-timer, trembling at the block,” he reminded the crowd. “Keep swimming, keep smiling, and always thank your coach and your parents.”

Fred Ancheta even took over as the meet announcer — and did a splendid job keeping things in order, including reminding the parents (with humor) not to “coach from the stands unless they brought a whistle too.” He stayed until the final relay event and joined the awarding of medals, certificates, and the beautifully crafted trophies.

SPLASH OF PHILIPPINE SWIMMING TRIVIA
Did you know? The Philippines produced its first Olympic swimmer way back in 1924 — Teófilo Yldefonso, also known as the “Ilocano Shark.” And today, a century later, young Filipino swimmers continue to make waves both locally and abroad, thanks to grassroots competitions like this one that nurture raw talent and build confidence — one splash at a time.

FINAL TEAM STANDINGS
🏆 Champion: Binangonan Athletes Swim Team – 420 points
🥈 2nd Place: TN Aquatics Club – 367 points
🥉 3rd Place: Marooners Swim Team – 317 points

Each team showed incredible sportsmanship, with swimmers congratulating each other poolside — even offering goggles and hugs in between heats. “This is what the sport is really about,” said Coach Bernard of Bosay Resort Swimming Team. “It’s a family. A very wet, loud, but beautiful family.”

WHAT’S NEXT?
Before the closing ceremony, Pres. Fred Ancheta shared exciting news: the next SLP-sanctioned event — SLP-Rizal Province Giants Swim Series — will be held on August 16, 2025 at the Muntinlupa Aquatic Center. Expect a thrilling meet filled with freebies, state-of-the-art medals and trophies, and another chance for young swimmers to shine.

THANK YOU SPONSORS
The event was made possible through the generous support of BDO, View Philippines, Swim League Philippines, and the ever-supportive Assumption Antipolo swimming parents.

As the sun set over the Antipolo hills, one thing was clear — the SeaDragon Novice Meet wasn’t just about swimming fast; it was about swimming with purpose, unity, and heart.

And as Addison waved goodbye to the swimmers, her smile seemed to say it all: sometimes the biggest victories happen outside the pool.