Over 500 swimmers are expected to see action when the Congress of the Philippine Aquatics (COPA) National Capital Region stages its One for All-All For One Championships this weekend at the Teofilo Ildefonso Swimming Center inside the historic Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila.

COPA co-founder Chito Rivera said teams and students from public schools are free of charge in the three-day tournament that aims to raise fund for the family of late swimming coach Elcid Evangelista.

The age-group competitions are for boys and girls ranging from 6 to 17 years old as well as 18-year-old and older.

COPA co-founder and Philippine Aquatics Inc. (PAI) secretary general Eric Buhain said the event is part of their goal of fostering camaraderie while boosting development at the grassroots level.

“This is part of a series of COPA competitions aimed at fostering camaraderie and boosting the swimmer’s development at the grassroots level. But of course, expect tough competition as some of our Palarong Pambansa qualifiers are confirmed to join the event,” Buhain said.

“Also, this will serve as part of our young swimmers’ preparation for the coming National tryouts on 15-18 August to select members of the team for the Southeast Asian Age Group SEA Age Group Championship slated in Bangkok in December.”

Among noted swimmers to watch are multi-titled and Palarong Pambansa-bound Nicola Diamante, Asian Age-Group Championships campaigner Patricia Mae Santor, Rio Balbuena, Jada Cruz, Amber Arano, Kristoffer David and Audrina Victor.