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Identical in every aspect, brothers Marc and
Matthew Paderon of La Union could be mistaken for
twins.
So mistaking one for the other is understandable.
The Philippine Amateur Swimming Association (PASA)
Wednesday clarified that the player-switching that
occurred in the swimming competition of the recent
Philippine Olympic Festival in Vigan, Ilocos Sur
was unintentional and merely an “honest mistake.”
PASA president Mark
Joseph said no malice was found when the older
Paderon (Marc) competed in one of the freestyle
events of the boys’ 8-9 year-old bracket instead
of his younger sibling Matthew.
“Our technical official is from Manila and does
not know the Paderon boys, who can be mistaken for
twins,” said Joseph, adding that the lane timers
are not in a position to deprive any of the
brothers the right to participate.
Joseph explained that Marc, being 10 years old,
simply obeyed the technical official when he was
told to get ready.
Joseph, however, said that the coach of the
Paderon boys could have been more alert and would
be admonished by PASA.
“We consider the incident an honest mistake.
Neither swimmer benefited from this mistake nor
was any other swimmer adversely affected,” said
Joseph.
Meanwhile, POF chair Robert Aventajado said that
Ilocos Norte delegation head Michael Keon has
apologized after criticizing the entrance fees of
the athletes in some of the sports of the POF.
“During his (Keon) time, he encountered no
problems on the financial aspect of running an
event while we in the POF have been cash-strapped
since the beginning,” said Aventajado. “It’s quite
unfair that we get criticized for charging
entrance fees that were meant to pay the technical
officials who officiate the events.” |
