ASAP to stage Unity Swim

MANILA, Philippines - The Aquatic Sports Association of the Philippines (ASAP), in cooperation with the Rotary Club of Manila-Remedios Circle (RCMRC), will attempt to establish a record which could stand for a long time in the Guinness Book when it stages the 2009 Unity Swim, a marathon non-stop swim by thousands of volunteers, on Oct. 24 at a venue to be announced.

Organizing committee chair Susan Papa, ASAP secretary general, said the event, to be held in celebration of UN Day worldwide, said an expected field of over 10,000 swimmers, experienced or beginners, will each swim 50 meters in an Olympic-size swimming pool, and the marathon will continue non-stop, day and night, until the last swimmer completes the last lap. Papa is also celebrating the 50th anniversary of her swimming career.

A representative from the Guinness Book of Records will be invited to observe and record the proceedings of the event, which will start right after the awarding ceremonies of the third ASAP age group competitions by dusk on Oct. 24.

The Rotary Club of Manila-Remedios Circle of District 3810 under current president Marcelino Arzaga Dalin and incoming president Noel Marquez Isorena, is co-presenting the event.

“This will definitely be a lot of fun so we are inviting all Filipinos to this worthy cause,” said ASAP president Ma. Luz Arzaga-Mendoza, a former Olympic Youth Camp Philippine delegate and Asian Games backstroke medalist. “All Filipinos, who can swim 50 meters, may join this swim-for-a-cause.”

Dalin said various civic, social and government organizations and individuals of various persuasions will be invited to join national athletes, celebrities and government leaders nationwide.

“We will be inviting all Rotarians from different Districts, LGUs, NGOs as well as schools and colleges to join this nationwide effort,” said Isorena.