Bangkok, Thailand — Philippine grassroots swimming reached a new milestone as the Swim League Philippines (SLP) proudly represented the country at the Asian Open Schools Invitational (AOSI) Short Course Swimming Championships held last September 6–7, 2025 at the world-class ABAC Aquatic Center in Bangkok.

In a historic first, the SLP delegation competed under three proud banners—SLP Patriots Luzon, SLP Patriots Visayas, and SLP Patriots Mindanao—bringing together a formidable contingent of 225 athletes and officials from every corner of the archipelago. This powerful presence reflects the staunch leadership of President Fred Ancheta, whose unwavering vision has been to strengthen grassroots swimming development across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

A Historic First for Philippine Grassroots Swimming

“In all my years in swimming, I have never witnessed the Philippines being represented by such a big team from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao,” I reflected as the writer of this article. “For me, this is a remarkable achievement and a defining moment for grassroots swimming in our country.”

The athletes proudly donned the Patriots colors, embodying unity, discipline, and the rising talent of Filipino youth in the pool.

Intense Competition, Impressive Results

The two-day championship drew a massive number of entries, with top swim clubs from across Asia battling for medals and honors. After a grueling schedule of short course races, the Axolotls Swim Club of Vietnam emerged first in the medal tally with 63 golds.

Not far behind, the Patriots Luzon finished an impressive second with 49 gold medals, while the Chu Swim Club of Thailand placed third with 44 golds. Meanwhile, Patriots Visayas secured a commendable 5th place overall with 26 medals.

Not to be outdone, the SLP Patriots Mindanao made their mark by achieving many personal best times in their races,” said SLP President Fred Ancheta. “This is only the beginning—we will continue to send more swimmers from Mindanao, nurturing talents and building a stronger grassroots swimming community in the region.”

In the points system, the Filipino teams shone even brighter:

• Patriots Luzon took 1st place overall with 4,879 points,
• followed by Axolotls Swim Club with 4,009,
• and Patriots Visayas in 3rd with 3,385 points.

These results underscore not only individual brilliance but also the depth, balance, and determination of the SLP swimmers.

Beyond Medals: Building Character and Community

President Fred Ancheta highlighted the broader benefits of international exposure:

“Joining overseas age-group meets develops more than just speed and stamina,” said the dedicated and visionary leader. “It helps swimmers gain confidence and resilience, coaches acquire new techniques and global perspectives, and parents witness the fruit of their sacrifices while proudly cheering for their children. It is an investment in character, discipline, and lifelong friendships.”

The meet also became a platform for Filipino bayanihan abroad. With so many entries, even SLP’s parents and coaches took part in marshalling duties, helping swimmers in the call room area, ensuring smooth flow of events, and extending Filipino hospitality to other delegations. It was a heartwarming moment when international organizers praised the enthusiastic and cooperative Filipino parents, whose loud cheers became an extra boost of motivation for their children.

Grassroots Growing Stronger

The success of the SLP Patriots in Bangkok signals that the grassroots program in the Philippines is alive and thriving. Under Pres. Ancheta’s leadership, SLP continues to regularly send swimmers abroad, giving opportunities to athletes who aspire to test themselves against Asia’s best.

“This is not just about medals,” Pres. Ancheta added. “It’s about building bridges across nations, inspiring our young athletes, and proving that Filipino swimmers—whether from Luzon, Visayas, or Mindanao—belong on the international stage.”

Looking ahead, SLP has already confirmed participation in upcoming international age-group meets in Japan and Malaysia in the coming months. These events will not only promote the grassroots program but also foster camaraderie and friendship with other nations, keeping the Filipino flag waving proudly across pools in Asia.

A New Wave for Philippine Swimming

The Asian Open Schools Invitational was streamed live via the Global Aquatics Facebook page, allowing families and supporters back home to witness the Filipino swimmers’ hard work and victories in real time.

With results that speak for themselves, the enthusiastic participation of families, and the strong leadership at the helm, the SLP Patriots’ campaign in Bangkok is more than a competition story—it is a story of unity, resilience, and a new wave for Philippine swimming.