Pospia, 10, bags 3 golds in Coseteng swimfest

MANILA, Philippines—Ten-year-old Czaree Cassidy Pospia made waves in the First Nikki Coseteng swimming championships by bagging three gold medals at the jampacked Rizal Memorial Sports Complex Sunday.

But Pospia wasn’t able to get her medals as she and her mother had to rush for a late flight to Surigao del Norte after ruling the 10-under 50-meter butterfly, 50m freestyle and 50m backstroke of the event held to mark the former senator’s birthday.

Also bagging golds were Julia Torres of R3 Aquaspeed Sailfish Swim Team in girls’ 11-12 200m individual medley, Pricila Aquino of University of the Philippines in the girls’ 13-14 200m IM, Skyle Claveria of Dennis A. Cordero in the boys’ 13-14 200m IM, and Jerome Magallanes of La Salle in boys’ 15-17 200m IM.

Some 2,000 swimmers from 50 schools and teams took part in the one-day event which Coseteng hopes to stage every quarter through the help of corporate sponsors, with or without the sanction of the Philippine Aquatics Sports Association (Pasa).

“How can these young athletes show their talents if we don’t take the initiative to run this kind of event,” said Coseteng. “It’s the NSA (national sports association) which should be doing it. You see the people and the banners all around, that tells a lot.”

“But we are thankful to Philippine Sports Commission chair Richie Garcia for allowing us to use this pool. This is the first time we set foot on this venue.”

“They should open the sport to all, and we shouldn’t be the ones begging to become part of the Philippine team, especially if the swimmers are deserving,” said Coseteng, referring to Pasa president Mark Joseph, whom she accused of discriminating against the Philippine Swimming League.

The competitions, organized by Diliman Preparatory School and the PSL, showcased the top 16 swimmers in every event and age-group but accommodated everybody in the time trials.
“We want to give the athletes especially the young ones the avenue to showcase their skills because we believe that we are not wanting in swimming talents,” said Coseteng who is also the DPS president.

Sponsoring the event were the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., Skyexplore and Toy Kingdom.