EXHIBITION matches in water polo, fin swimming and relays will highlight the First Congress of Philippine Aquatics Inc. (COPA)-Samahang Manlalangoy sa Pilipinas (SMP) Christmas Friendship Swimfest on Saturday at the Teofilo Yldefonso Swimming Pool inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Malate, Manila.
Members of the national training pool in water polo and fin swimming will play a friendly game during breaks in the final tournament the year organized by the COPA led by former swimming king and now Batangas First District Rep. Eric Buhain.
SMP president and COPA board member Chito Rivera stressed that the event is a collaboration of the two swimming groups in an effort to further enhance the talent and skills of young Filipino swimmers.
“This is a joint effort of COPA and SMP for 2022. Next year, expect more and bigger tournaments as we launch our nationwide program for grassroots program,” said Rivera, also the varsity coach of Jose Rizal University in the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
Rivera stressed that Buhain brought the idea to include water polo and fin swimming in the program to reintroduce the two disciplines to the young generation.
Water polo and fin swimming have been neglected for years, according to Buhain.
All eyes are on Nicola Diamante, who dominated her age class in every COPA tournament this year. The 11-year-old fifth-grade honor student at the Augustinian Abbey School in Las Pinas has 20 gold medals to her name.