Author: Jun Ariolo Aguirre (308 Articles)

KALIBO, Aklan(PNA) – Residents in Barangay Lilo-an, Malinao, Aklan have reorganized themselves to get back the old glory of being considered as a village of swimmers for the past 30 years.

In a simple ceremony held in the said barangay Wednesday afternoon, residents of Barangay Lilo-an, Malinao sent a strong signal not only to the province but also to the entire Western Visayas as well that it is ready to reclaim its place in history.

The simple celebration was capped with the induction of newly-elected officers who are parents of the Lilo-An Blue Sharks Team.

At least 30 young swimmers boys and girls with ages ranging from seven years old to 16 years old voluntarily swam back and fourth in a 25-meter makeshift swimming pool along the Lilo-an River.

For the past 30 years, young swimmers from Barangay Lilo-an, Malinao have dominated the titles of swimming contests for the students in various swimming competitions not only in the province but also in the Western Visayas Meet.

Their passion for the sport has been re-awakened after young swimmers from Kalibo town won nearly all the swimming events in the region.

The people’s swimming quest is now being backed up by successful businessmen and politicians who trace their roots in the said barangay.

One of the residents promised to shell out P3,000 as cash incentive for the Lilo-an swimmers who could first win a gold for Western Visayas Regional Meet next month.

Senior Provincial Board member Atty. Selwyn Ibaretta who inducted the newly-elected officers said that he is supporting the cause of the barangay by entering his eight- year-old daughter in the forthcoming meet for the butterfly swimming category in the forthcoming regional meet in Roxas City.

The challenge of Ibaretta was accepted by the villagers. Aside from Ibaretta, Provincial board member Ramon Gelito also attended the event as his daughter is also a swimmer.

Other officials also gracing the event were Malinao Councilor Atty. Wilbert Igoy, regional chair of the Councilor’s League and Malinao Mayor Jujet Ilio.

“Barangay officials are requesting for a 50-meter pool to be constructed for their children to have a training ground for swimming. The Aklan provincial board is considering the request,” said Ibaretta.

Currently, the young swimmers use the makeshift swimming pool along the river as their training ground. Their coaches train them for two and a half hours everyday after school.