Olango Challenge in Cebu

Olango Challenge in Cebu
by People's Tonight
Journal Online - Philippine Journalists, Inc.
Saturday, 13 March 2010


CEBU -- It was successful in its first two years, and for this year, the Olango Challenge will make its mark once again.

The first open-water marathon swimming in the country, dubbed as the Olango Challenge, will kick off its third run on April 24 to continue its efforts in highlighting the importance of having a clean marine environment as well as promoting open water swimming as a sport.

It will be held at the Tambuli Beach Club, Lapu-Lapu City from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The event, which also serves as a fundraising activity, aims to raise P1.2M this year to shoulder livelihood and environment projects for the Olango Island.

The open-water swimming competition is organized by Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) in the Visayas and Philippine Aquatic Sports Association (PASA).

It launched its first leg on 2008 on the 5-kilometer strip of the Gilutungan Channel from Olango to Mactan and attracted more than 70 seasoned and amateur swimmers to join the event. The second year witnessed the participation of 50 athletes from the pier of Pacific Cebu Resort to the beach front of Tambuli Beach Club. Proceeds of both events were used for the construction of classrooms at Candagsao Elementary School in Olango Island, which was officially turned over to the school last March 11.

The open-water marathon swimming competition is open to all professional and amateur swimmers and swimming enthusiasts all over the country.

Interested contestants can join any of the following categories: 5K competitive, 3K competitive, 1.5 competitive and 5K Fun Swim.

For more information, contact Ms. Riva Valles at (032) 232.5270 or 232.5283 or send your email to olangochallenge@gmail.com.