Swim competition aids Olango citizens

The swimming event, organized together with the Philippine Aquatic Sports Association (PASA), had served as an advocacy campaign to highlight the importance of a clean marine environment, raise awareness about the high incidence of drowning in the country, and help improve the lives of families at Olango Island.

Organizers said the event has led to the delivery of basic social services, provision of sustainable income opportunities, construction and repair of classrooms, promotion of organic vermiculture, and rehabilitation of the environment of the island.

Winners of the 6k competitive categories are Loren Dale Echavez and Kiefer Ticao while Gavin Solingon and Trina Cañeda bagged the top spots in the 2k competitive categories. Launched in 2008, the Olango Challenge was inspired by the open water swim category of the Beijing Summer Olympics to help promote open water swimming marathon discipline in this country.