CAMIGUIN (PIA)--Promoting sports tourism in the province, the Local Government of Mambajao, in partnership with the Provincial Government of Camiguin, hosts this year's Swim Junkie Camiguin Challenge, the first-ever in Mindanao, May 13–14, at Balay sa Baibai, Agoho, Mambajao.
With 136 participants from different places, including Malaysia and China, the swimming challenge included 2K, 5K, and 8K swims for men and women.
Mambajao Mayor Yñigo Jesus Romualdo said it was supposedly scheduled, March 24, 2020, a day before the lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, the event was put on hold and was just resumed this year through the efforts of the Local Government of Mambajao and its organizers, Swim Junkie Philippines.
"We are trying, the Municipality of Mambajao, in partnership with the Province of Camiguin, we are trying to develop our sports tourism program for everyone to see what Mambajao, what Camiguin can offer," Mayor Romualdo said.
For his part, Gov. Xavier Jesus Romualdo committed to making the necessary preparations for next year, saying, "What I can promise is next year, if you hold this in the province, we’ll be better prepared to host, and we’ll really prepare for it next year."
Matthieu Miv bagged first place in the 8K men's category, finishing the swim in 2 hours, 4 minutes, and 43 seconds. Rodrigo Braga and Loneco Pacudan came in second and third, respectively.
For the 8K women's category, Janice Chan won the challenge with 3 hours, 10 minutes, and 21 seconds of time lapse, followed by Patricia de Belen and Candy Lee.
Other winners included Alejandro Aleta (5K men), Caitleen Danielle San Felix (5K women), Stephen Joseph Tiu (2K men), and Erika Agoring (2K women).
"It’s my first time, and I’m really happy we came here. I just swim once a week in open water in Hong Kong, and it was really good preparation for me to join here," Miv said.
He also advised the swimmers to never be scared of trying long-distance swims. He also commended the preparations of the organizers and the "amazing waters" of Camiguin.
Aside from the Swim Junkie Camiguin Challenge, Mayor Romualdo said they will also be holding the Mt. Hibok-Hibok Trail Run, July 16, 2023, as part of the Mambajao Day celebration. (RTP/PIA-10/Camiguin)
