A new swimming body has been recognized after the Philippine Swimming Inc. was dropped from the membership of the Philippine Olympic Committee.
The new national sports association for aquatics sports known as Philippine Aquatics Inc. will take its place in the POC’s list of members.
The POC General Assembly gave the nod to accept Philippine Aquatics Inc. from its roster of members following a meeting Friday at the East Ocean Palace Restaurant in Paranaque.
“We have removed PSI from membership due to non-recognition of the international federation. The approval of the new federation of swimming was passed by the membership committee,” said POC president and Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham Tolentino.
The removal of the PSI from the POC’s membership comes 10 months after the World Aquatics or FINA, withdrew is recognition of the PSI Board members and its head Lailani Velasco.
Philippine Aquatics president Michael Vargas said the recognition paves the way for smoother operations for the swimming NSA, with a alot of national and international events set to go on in the coming months.
Philippine Aquatics, Inc., according to Vargas, is now awaiting the final schedule of the 11th Asian Age Group Championships following the postponement of its hosting this December.
“We’re excited, finally. It’s been a long journey for us. Hindi biglaan. Matagal din ito,” said Vargas.
Asian Aquatics, through its president Sheikh Khalid B Al Sabah, will give final confirmation on the new date of the Asian Age Group meet by Nov. 4.