PSL gears up for strong Universiade stint

THE PHILIPPINE Swimming League aims to gather the best possible team for the World Universiade when it stages the All-star University Swimming Challenger on March 17 and 18 at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

The Federation of School Sports Association of the Philippines and the PSL announced that the event will kick off a series of qualifying competitions for the World Universiade set in Khazan, Rus- sia next year.

“We would like to thank Philippine Sports Commission chair Richie Garcia and the board of commissioners for approving and supporting our swimming circuit and allowing us to use the Rizal Memorial swimming pool,” said PSL chair, former Sen. Nikki Coseteng, in a statement.

PSL, headed by former national swim stalwart Susan Papa, is the local swimming association recognized by the Fessap, the country's governing body for university sports which is under Fisu or International University Sports Federation. Fessap is headed by president David Ong.

Coseteng said: “The PSC can count on us to help turn the tide in swimming. This new partnership among PSC, Fessap and PSL will help nurture the dreams of many talented local swimmers.”

The Philippines sent a contingent to the biennial Universiade in Shenzen, China last year.

“The Filipino swimmers were able to compete against the world’s best even without the support of the government,” she said.

The qualifying circuit will also be held May 19 and 20, Aug. 11 and 12 and Nov. 25 and 26.

Fessap also fielded bets in taekwondo, basketball, archery, table tennis, badminton, chess, beach volleyball and athletics with taekwondo jin Samuel Thomas Morrison of FEU bagging a silver medal.