Philippines gears up for Universiade

Philippines gears up for Universiade
August 8, 2014
By Jean Malanum, FESSAP Media Officer

The Philippines is boosting its campaign in the 2015 World University Summer Games by sending more athletes to the July 3-14 tournament in Gwangju, South Korea.

Photo shown that Senator Antonio F. Trillanes (left) designated by FESSAP Board of Trustees as the Philippines' Head of Delegation to the 28th Summer Universiade in July 2015, Gwangju, Korea, with FESSAP President Mr. David Ong during a Press briefing held at the Philippine Senate last June 2, 2014.Photo by Genie Villota, Remate News 

So far, 64 swimmers have earned slots in the Philippine delegation which is aiming to improve its lone gold achievement courtesy of chess wizard Wesley So in Kazan, Russia a year ago.

Led by Cordero siblings Delia, Denjylie and Dennice, the Filipino swimmers are eager to make their country proud in the tournament organized by the International University Sports Federation (FISU).

Also carrying the national colors are Loren Dale Echavez, Pia Cardinal, Myles Chi, Cynthjune Goden, Keith Ocampo, Lester Tungala, Rudette Casidsid, Casy Gumabong, Rose Mary Occeno, Chryserr Palomado, Glenna Venerable, Erla Agutaya, Nicholas Measures, Jason Villaruz, Patrick Tierie, Christen Mercado, Anton Abacahin, JV Llaguno, EJ Lorbes, Patrick Ellsworth, BJ Lastrollo, Lloyd Llantino, EJ Portes, Enrique Portes, Rod Ronidel, Jeff Tecson, Jiel Tumbokon, Ivan Vertudazo, Mark Victoria, Jason Difuntorum, Sean Enero, Jux Solita, Joseller Macaso, Angel Pascua, Gian Berino, Sean Ortega, Yuri Almonte, Jifrey Azor, Cliff Dizon, Sean Manicad, Dana Parco, Royce Parco, Joshua Sevilla, Arlyn Arcadio, Jacky Calvadores, John Calma, Alton De Luna, Jethro Formaran, Mhikcoloe Abina, Abel Resol, Miguel Thruelen, Akira Nakamura, Archimedes Roca Jr., Julian Pupos, Darwin Tumaneng, Priscila Aquino, Jeremiah Esguerra, Joy Rodgers, Patrick Sajol and Ana Tan.  

These athletes were chosen during the tryouts conducted by the Philippine Swimming League (PSL) headed by Susan Papa in Manila and Iloilo. 

"The PSL is maximizing the number of entries who will make it to the 2015 Universiade. We want them to know that there is such event more than the Southeast Games and Asian Games in preparation to the Olympics,” said Papa.

“There are 198 participating countries in the Universiade. It’s a fantastic cultural event, a once in a lifetime experience for every student-athlete. I want our swimmers to share their Universiade experience to their fellow swimmers and upcoming swimmers,” added Papa. 

“I want to maximize the number of swimmer to experience this prestigious event.

The International University Sports Federation (FISU) organization is great that participating student-athletes are treated VIPs during the Opening Ceremony and Cultural Tours. This is an experience that every athlete will never forget because more than 50,000 spectators are there to witness this event,” said Papa.  

Nikki Coseteng, a former lawmaker who is now active in developing swimming in the Philippines, said "This is a victory for all Philippine swimmers. If you stick with the Philippine Swimming Incorporated, where do you go? Southeast Asian Games, where there are only 11 countries participating. Asian Games, only 40 countries. Olympics? Only two swimmers were sent via wildcards,” said Coseteng.

“We congratulate the coaches, parents, schools and teams who sent their students to join the tryouts. And we also sound a loud wake up call. To all coaches, club heads and school authorities, who up to now, refuse to let their swimmers join us, stop threatening your swimmers with suspension or expulsion. You are depriving them of a once in a lifetime opportunity,” said Coseteng.  

Mr. David Ong, president of the Federation of School Sports Association of the Philippines (FESSAP) which is a member of the FISU, said tryouts in swimming and other sports are still ongoing to ensure that only the best and brightest student-athletes will be included in the Philippine contingent.