Manila: The Philippine Aquatics, Inc. (PAI) has unveiled the official lineup of athletes set to compete in the 47th Southeast Asia (SEA) Age Group Swimming Championships, scheduled to take place from June 19 to 29 in Singapore.
According to Philippines News Agency, leading the Philippine delegation is Jamesray Mishael Ajido, an incoming Grade 10 student from La Salle Green Hills. Ajido impressed during the PAI tryouts in April, recording personal best times of 55.40 seconds in the 100m butterfly, 25.37 in the 50m butterfly, and 24.13 in the 50m freestyle. He joins a roster that includes Albert Jose Amaro II, Ryian Zach Denzel Belen, Alexander Eichler, Ava Samantha Bautista, Kyle Louise Bulaga, Riannah Chantelle Coleman, FJ Catherine Cruz, Sophia Garra, and Patricia Mae Santor.
Ajido, who is 16 years old, expressed gratitude for meeting two qualifying time standards despite facing older competitors. He has already qualified for the World Aquatics Junior Championships in Romania in August and the 3rd Asian Youth Games in Bahrain in October. Ajido previously achieved success at the 11th Asian Age Group Championships last year, winning the boys' 12-14 100m butterfly event at New Clark City Aquatics Center in Tarlac.
In the artistic swimming category, the Philippine team will be represented by Maddison Violet Durban, Zoe Lim, and Antonia Lucia Raffaele. The men's water polo team comprises Elijah Caleb De Leon, Lance Edrick Adalin, Matthew Cameron Dasig, Julian Christi Malubag, Miel Joaquin Ugaban, Kenzzie Trey Dumanglas, Sebastien Albert Castro, Niklas Joaquin De Guzman, Matthew Vincent Romero, Joaquin Federico Mirasol, Alexandre Gabriel, Dave Russel Geda, and Sean Gabriel Enero.
Ferdinand Quilop will lead the delegation, which includes coaches Ramil Lustre and Isagani Corpuz for swimming, Maria Graciella Jasmina Sanchez for artistic swimming, and Sherwin De La Paz and Filip Stojanovic for water polo. PAI president Michael Angelo Vargas conveyed his congratulations to the athletes and expressed appreciation for the coaches' dedication. He encouraged all participants to maintain their focus and determination as they prepare for the upcoming event.
