11th Olango Challenge slated May 5

CEBU, Philippines — Veterans and newcomers are expected to see action in the 11th edition of the Olango Challenge, the country’s premiere open water swimming competition on May 5 at the Pacific Cebu Resort in Lapu-Lapu City.

The annual race is a fundraising event in which the organizers are aiming to donate P1 million worth of laboratory equipment for the public schools in Olango Island.

 “We decided to support the K to 12 program of DepEd by providing some scholarship assistance to students. Hopefully, our students can get decent jobs when they are finish,” said Philippine Businessmen for Social Program’s Visayas Executive Committee chairman Jose Antonio Aboitiz.

Sanctioned by PhilSwimming, the country's governing body in swimming, the race features a 6K, 3K and 1 K distance for both competitive and fun swimmers.

Registration fee is pegged at P500 for 1K, P1,000 for 3K and P1,500 for 6K inclusive of transportation, meal, dry bag and a finisher's shirt.

Although a fund-raiser event, more than P80,000 worth of cash prizes and trophies will be given away to the top finishers in each category.

Meanwhile, national team coach Renia Suarez said that they will be conducting a coaching course for open water competition before the race.