By Waylon Galvez
Despite the difficulties with the implementation of lockdowns here and abroad because of COVID-19, members of the national swimming team continue to find ways to stay in shape with regular training sessions.
Philippines’ Remedy Rule swims during the women’s 200-meter butterfly in the 30th Southeast Asian Games at the Aquatics Center of the New Clark City in Tarlac, Dec. 4, 2019. (MB File Photo / Mark Balmores / Captured using Sony A9 with 200-600mm lens)
Philippine Swimming Inc. (PSI) president Lani Velasco said Thursday that the federation is closely monitoring 16 athletes, including those based in the US, for their safety, health and training programs.
“Since most of the world’s pools are currently closed due to the lockdown, our swimmers are given dry land workouts by their coaches so that they could stay fit during quarantine,” said Velasco in a message to Manila Bulletin.
“Affected lahat ng swimmers, so land training silang lahat ngayon. Merong mga workout na binibigay ang mga local coaches natin sa mga athletes, everyday meron bagong pinagagawa sa kanila na mga sets.”
The swimming association chief said Fil-foreign athletes are also being monitored, including 30th Southeast Asian Games gold medalist James Deiparine, Luke Gebbie, Remedy Rule, Jon Cook, Jarod Hatch, Nicole Oliva and Miranda Renner, and locals Rae Mangaong and Jaden Olsen, who are both in the US.
James Deiparine reacts after bagging the Philippines’ first gold medal after a decade in the 100-meter breaststroke event of swimming at the Aquatics Center in Capas, Tarlac, Dec. 4, 2019. (MB File Photo / Mark Balmores / Captured using Sony A9 with 200-600mm Lens)
Velasco said some athletes have even added ‘creative’ ways in their training programs done at their respective homes. Athletes here are either in the province or in Metro Manila.
“Some use ladder for pull-ups, while some use cements (sacks) and bricks (as weights),” said Velasco.
“Ang nakakatuwa is even the food they eat, they’ll send it to me,” added Velasco.
For her part, Velasco has been busy too doing things to help those who are in need.
Lani Velasco personally makes face masks donated to health workers. (From Lani Velasco’s Facebook)
After donating mattresses to the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Velasco said 5,000 N95 face masks would be donated to hospitals in Manila and in Bacolod City.
Aside from that, Velasco has been producing ‘recycled’ washable face masks from eco-bags she got from items she purchased over the years – now benefitting various health workers.
Lani Velasco takes a ‘selfie’ to show her personally made face masks donated to health workers. (From Lani Velasco’s Facebook)
“We’ve donated (financial assistance) to five fundraising organizers, and if I recall it’s for PPE, and protective eyewear for doctors. Whatever I give it’s from me and my whole family – that includes PSI,” she said.
“But you know, it’s more amazing and a great feeling when you make the masks yourself… labor of love. More than just donating money, during times like these, it’s important to help and share.”
“I’ve been donating the washable masks that I’ve been making since last week to several hospitals here in Manila and in Bacolod, and I’ve been giving it to my doctor friends and they give it directly to the hospitals,” Velasco added.
Source: Manila Bulletin
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