WWF sports event promotes environmental protection

Six leading open-water athletes took part in a special swimming event in May to promote environmental protection of the world’s oceans and coral reefs.

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) organised the “Reef Strokes” event off the waters of Nasugbu, Batangas, in the Philippines, to celebrate Coral Triangle Day.

Athletes including Ingemar Macarine, Frank Lacson, Betsy Medalla, Julian Valencia, Moi Yamoyam and Miguel Villanueva swam about 10 kilometres to raise awareness of conservation and environmental protection.

The day-long event on Sunday 29 May at the Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club highlighted the dangers of plastic pollution and climate change on the Verde Island Passage, a key area of marine biodiversity.

The Verde Island Passage surrounds the province of Batangas and has wide variety of marine species providing rich area for fishing.

Addressing a media briefing after the event, Joel Palma, the President and CEO of WWF-Philippines, said: “Symbolically, the 10-kilometre swim is a daunting task like protecting our marine resources. It’s not easy but it can be done.”

Mr Palma said that events like Reef Strokes are vital in raising awareness of important conservation and sustainability issues.

Frank Lacson, known as “The Legend” and considered one of the pioneers in triathlon in the Philippines, swam 10.5 km in four hours and 15 minutes while coach and former member of the Philippine National Triathlon Yamoyam swam 10.2 km in four hours and 51 minutes.

Mr Lacson said: “We are doing open-water swimming and we are in position to know the conditions in it and I’m very thankful to be given this opportunity to help educate people about the importance of having a healthy marine ecosystem.”

Swimmer Betsy Medalla said: ”By doing this we are accomplishing two things. One is encouraging more people to go into the water and experience it up close so as to appreciate it more. And another is encouraging conservation. That it is time we do our part in the protection of our natural resources like the coral reefs.”