Hong Kong, May 28, 2024: The prestigious GO24 Fitness Last Splash 2024, hosted by the Hong Kong International School (HKIS), brought together nearly 450 swimmers from across Asia, including Japan, China, Singapore, Vietnam, the Philippines, and the host country, Hong Kong. Among these talented athletes, the Swim League Philippines (SLP) Patriots Team, comprising 28 young swimmers, showcased exceptional talent and sportsmanship.
A Historic Event
This year’s event holds particular significance as it marks the final summer meet at the current HKIS pool. David Pool, the head coach of the Hong Kong Stingrays, announced that their team would move to a newly built 8 x 25 meter pool in early 2025, making this competition a memorable farewell to the old facility.
SLP Patriots’ Impressive Performance
The SLP Patriots, composed mostly of swimmers aged 10 and under, were in awe of the high-caliber competition. The young athletes were highly motivated as they witnessed their peers break records and achieve remarkable times. Notably, some of the performances even exceeded the Qualifying Standard set by the Philippine Department of Education for the Palarong Pambansa Championship.
Medalists Among the Patriots
Despite the tough competition, the SLP Patriots secured impressive wins:
Che Doronila Jr. clinched a silver medal in the 50-meter backstroke.
John Leward Felipe won a bronze medal in the 13-14 years old 50-meter butterfly and the 100-meter individual medley.
International Exposure and Future Plans
Fred Galang Ancheta, President of Swim League Philippines, emphasized the myriad benefits of participating in international competitions. “These events offer our young swimmers opportunities for skill development, exposure to high-level competition, cultural exchange, confidence building, personal growth, and national representation,” he stated.
The exposure has already opened doors for future international invitations. Teams from China, Singapore, and Vietnam have extended invitations to the SLP Patriots for their meets later in 2024 and 2025. Additionally, SLP, in collaboration with CNLSCA, is planning to host its first international age group competition, inviting teams they met at the Last Splash 2024.
Enhancing Coaching Standards
SLP is also in discussions with two top foreign coaches to conduct seminars aimed at uplifting coaching standards in the Philippines. These seminars will focus on advanced techniques and strategies to further develop the skills of young swimmers.
Upcoming International Competitions
In addition to these plans, SLP and CNLSCA are preparing to participate in the International School Sports Federation (ISF) Gymnasiad in Manama, Bahrain, scheduled for October 23-31. This prestigious event will see high school students from around the world compete, with the Philippines being represented by the Philippine Inter-School Sports Association (PISSA). Interested swimmers can contact Coach Emer at emermatienzo@yahoo.com for more information.
Closing Thoughts
The GO24 Fitness Last Splash 2024 has been a significant milestone for the SLP Patriots, highlighting their potential and the bright future of Philippine swimming. As these young athletes continue to train and compete on international platforms, they embody the spirit of dedication, perseverance, and national pride. The Swim League Philippines looks forward to more achievements and the continued development of its swimmers, fostering a new generation of champions.