Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 21) — The country’s pandemic response task force has approved the request of Philippine Swimming Inc. (PSI) to host the 2021 Swimming National Selection Meet.
The swimming competition is scheduled for Aug. 28-30 at the New Clark City Aquatics Center, in Capas, Tarlac.
Under Resolution No. 116 of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, delegates to the event will be considered as authorized persons outside of residence or APOR.
“Lahat ng mga national selection meet ay magiging authorized persons outside of residence at papayagan ng interzonal travel,” Roque said.
[Translation: All (participants of the) national selection meet will be considered as authorized persons outside of residence and will be allowed interzonal travel.]
The PSI, the local federation recognized by the International Swimming Federation, is the governing body for swimming and other aquatic sports in the Philippines.
In a briefing on Friday, Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said the event will introduce a “bubble-type” format.
PSI President Lani Velasco thanked the IATF for approving their request, which she said is a big step for the Philippine swimming community that has been forced to stay indoors during the pandemic due to movement restrictions.
“Our goal is to get our athletes back into competitive shape as we prepare for the 31st SEA Games. Of course, we only want to select the best possible lineup for the awaited event,” Velasco told CNN Philippines. “In turn, we hope that our athletes can bring hope to the rest of our countrymen as we slowly recover from this pandemic.”
