In September, Consul Cunanan was appointed Chairman of the Philippine Swimming League, by the latter’s Board of Directors.
MESSAGE of CONSUL CUNANAN:
“Dear Friends of Georgia in the Philippines and Asia,
Greetings!
I am pleased to inform you that I have assumed the position of Chairman of the Philippine Swimming League (PSL), a non-stock and non-profit organization that is open to all Filipinos. It is by far the biggest, most dynamic, active, inclusive, and egalitarian aquatic association in the country.
Entirely funded by the private sector, the PSL is spearheading sports development for our youth at the grassroots level by conducting swimming competitions and training programs in partnership with different schools, academic institutions, non-government organizations, private corporations, and local government units.
In pursuit of athletic excellence, our swimmers frequently participate in regional and international competitions. Last August, fifty-two PSL swimmers joined the 9th SICC Invitational Swimming Championship in Singapore and won the most number of medals and trophies—122 in total—including the Overall Prize for scoring the most points. The gallant young Filipinos bested swimmers from regional powerhouses China, Malaysia, and Singapore. Prior to that, our swimmers distinguished themselves in the Universiade, the biggest international sporting event of university students, held in Kazan, Russia. Most recently, our swimmers again dominated the field in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Swimming Competition in Laguna last September 19, with two athletes setting new time records.
Currently, PSL President and champion veteran swimmer Susan Papa and I are organizing the first “Philippines – Georgia Friendship” swimming competition and are planning to lead a delegation of Filipino swimmers to Tbilisi in early spring 2014.
Before this, in January 2014, we will be competing in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and in Cape Town, South Africa–the latter for the first “Philippines – South Africa” swim meet, in cooperation with the Honorary Consulate of the Philippines in the Western Cape. Plans are also afoot for the expansion of our activities to countries like the Czech Republic and Hungary.
Sports competitions for the youth are excellent ways to build ties and relationships between countries. They strengthen character, inspire hope and confidence, instill proper values and virtues, and bring peoples closer together. I look forward to your help and support as we unite Georgia, the Philippines, and other countries, through the spirit of athletic excellence and sportsmanship.
Sincerely,
Thelmo Luis O. Cunanan Jr.
Consul (a.h.) of Georgia
Chairman, Philippine Swimming League”
