Daily Tribune
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF PAI WORLD Aquatics president Husain Al-Musallam (left) is satisfied with the country’s hosting of the 11th Asian Age Group Aquatics Championships recently. Also shown are Philippine Aquatics Inc. chief Michael ‘Miko’ Vargas (middle) and secretary general Eric Buhain.
The World Aquatics tipped its hat off to the country's successful hosting of the 11th Asian Age Group Aquatics Championships recently at the New Clark City Aquatics Center in Capas, Tarlac.
No less than WA president Capt. Husain Al-Musallam expressed satisfaction to the country's hosting of the prestigious event that was participated by swimmers and divers from 33 countries.
"Before I came here, I was not thinking about the facility I will see, but what I saw was beautiful," Al-Musallam said during his visit and ocular of the country's hosting.
"It's not Asia but you can also host world events."
The organizers, led by the Philippine Aquatics Inc. and the local organizing committee, were present when Al-Musallam graced the event to personally witness world-class action and Filipino hospitality.
"The volunteers, the organizing committee, the Philippine Aquatics, the city, the airport — all one team. It's very rare do you find everybody together, everybody working to create a very good environment for the athletes to compete."
The World Aquatics was aware that hosting such a massive event isn't easy.
But the federation and other organizers worked hard, even gaining massive support from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who issued Memorandum Circular 43 ordering various sectors and other local government units to lend a hand in accommodating around 1,400 athletes, coaches, and trainers from all over Asia.
With that, Al-Musallam gave the Filipinos a very positive feedback.
"What I have said before, you deserved a 10," he told PAI president Michael "Miko" Vargas and secretary general Eric Buhain.
"We truly appreciate not only your presence but also the support and guidance you've been giving to aquatics in Asia, especially the Philippines. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you," Vargas said.
For his part, Buhain shared the honor to their countrymen who worked hard to make the event a remarkable success.
"We're very grateful to the trust given by World Aquatics to Philippine Aquatics. It's not something that we take lightly," Buhain said.
"In fact, we will use this trust to work harder and always keep our best foot forward in every step of the way. This success, this honor, is not just for PAI but for the Filipino nation."
