SEA open water event gets going

The Philippines will host the fourth Southeast Asia (SEA) Open Water Swimming Championships from Aug. 21 to Aug. 23 in Boracay, with more than 100 swimmers from eight countries expected to compete in the region’s premier open water meet.

The three-day championships will be staged at Boracay Newcoast, featuring men’s and women’s races over 3-kilometer, 5-km and 10-km distances. Around 35 Filipino swimmers are set to compete against athletes from Southeast Asian nations, including Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia.

Philippine Aquatics secretary general Eric Buhain said organizers expect between 100 and 120 athletes to participate.

“We are very proud to host this event because open water swimming is an Olympic event,” said Buhain, a former national swimmer, citing why the tournament is one of the region’s key international competitions for the discipline.

Boracay, ideal backdrop

The championships have previously been held in Bali, Indonesia, and Pattaya, Thailand. This year’s edition shifts to Boracay, with organizers hoping the island’s world-renowned beaches will provide an ideal backdrop for both competition and tourism.

Festival races will also be held alongside the championships, allowing recreational swimmers and visitors to participate during the three-day event.

Beyond the competition, organizers expect the event to boost tourism in Boracay, with several visiting delegations already planning to extend their stay after the championships.

“We are also here to promote our country in the same breath that Bali and Pattaya hosted the event,” Buhain said.

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Philippine Aquatics president Michael Vargas said the championships are expected to help expand the sport across Southeast Asia while showcasing one of the country’s top tourist destinations.

“This sporting event not only advances the growth of open water swimming in Southeast Asia but also shines a spotlight on Boracay Island as a true gem of the region while reflecting the warmth and hospitality of the Filipino people,” Vargas said in a statement.

The event is presented by the Philippine Sports Commission.