Olango open-water marathon swim on May 19

Take a plunge on May 19!

Now is the time to kick off those running shoes, take a day off from fun runs and take a plunge at the Mactan Channel as you test your skills on open water swimming.

Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) and Philippine Aquatic Sports Association (PASA) invite all professional and amateur swimmers to join the 5th OLANGO CHALLENGE, a fund-raising open water swimming competition.

The first of its kind in the country, the 5th OLANGO CHALLENGE will take place at Tambuli Beach Club, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu on May 19, 2012 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Launched in 2008, the event was crafted with the same dynamic as that of open water swim category of the Beijing Summer Olympics to help promote open water swimming marathon discipline in the Philippines.

The swimming event also serves as an advocacy campaign to highlight the importance of a clean marine environment and raise awareness about the high incidence of drowning in the Philippines.

For five years, the Olango Challenge caught the participation of more than 500 amateur and competitive swimmers from all over the country and from America and Japan, as they not only tested their skills but also contributed to the development efforts of Olango Island, an island located in Lapu-Lapu City wherein communities solely depend on fishing as their livelihood.

The event raised more than PHP 4 million in a span of four years to help improve the lives of 2,300 families in Olango through the construction and refurbishment of classrooms, the promotion and practice of organic vermiculture and the greening of Olango Island. Last year’s event allowed for the reforestation of 5,200 trees on Olango Island and the refurbishing of two classrooms in Poo Elementary School, enabling use of technology at the Lapu-Lapu City Youth Affairs Office and building a third two-classroom building in Tungasan Elementary School.

For its fifth milestone, the Olango Challenge will open the 2K and 6K competitive and fun categories for interested individuals. Registration is pegged at PHP 600.00 for the 2K and competitive swim and PHP 2,250.0 for the fun swim. Discounts will be given to those who register on or before May 11, 2012.

Registration for Cebu entrants is located at the PBSP office in the fourth floor of PLDT, Juan Luna Avenue, Cebu City. For Manila entrants, they may visit the PASA office located at room 201, Building B, Philsports Complex, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City.

Online registration is also available via email at pbspvro@pbsp.org.ph or pasainc@gmail.com. Visit the event’s blog site at www.olangochallenge.wordpress.com for downloadable forms and updated information.