PSC: Let swim-off settle dispute

PSC Chair William Ramirez. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

LET THERE be a swim-off among swimmers of conflicting parties to end the long-running dispute in the medal-rich sport.

Philippine Sports Commission chair William Ramirez yesterday said pitting the swimmers of both the Philippine Swimming Inc. and Philippine Swimming League should finally settle the feud that affects the country’s performance in international tournaments.

“We will invite the groups to join the competition to determine who is the best among the swimmers,” said Ramirez during the PSC intersection meeting among national sports associations at the Century Park Hotel in Manila.

PSI secretary general Lani Velasco declared willingness for a swim-off as long as the PSC organizes the races.

“If it’s one way to unite everybody, we will agree to it,” said Velasco to the applause of officials from the 42 NSAs present during the meeting.

The swimmers of the PSI, the local body recognized by the Philippine Olympic Committee, represent the country in the Southeast Asian Games, Asian Games and Olympics while the PSL, headed by Susan Papa, claims it has some of the best tankers in the pool.

“Let’s see who’s the best and we expect the winners to be enrolled in the national pool regardless of affiliation,” said Ramirez.

The PSC chair explained the swim-off could be held during the Philippine National Games or a separate tournament to be facilitated by the Philippine Olympic Committee.

“We will just provide the funding. The POC will have the supervision as the umbrella organization,” said Ramirez. “For the sake of the children, let them become a part of the national team. This is for the country.”