Ticao a delegate to 1st Asian Beach Games
Kiefer Ticao.
Kiefer Ticao, an Ilonggo, will represent the Philippines along with another delegate from General Santos, to the 1st Asian Beach Games in Bali, Indonesia on Oct. 18, 2008. His companion is Nikita Decera from General Santos.
Ticao and Decera also figured in the Olango Challenge's Swim for a Cause last May 10, 2008 wherein they came in second and first, respectively. The effort raised P5-million overnight for the preservation of the Olango Wildlife Sanctuary. The swim was for a 5-km stretch and it was Ticao's first attempt to open sea swimming in the Visayas. He has previously crossed Guimaras and Iloilo twice.
Ticao is a scholar of the Trace College in Los Baños where he also receives training in swimming under the tutelage of Pinky Brosas. She also handled the swimming team of the country in the recently concluded Olympic Games in Beijing.
Ticao is fully supported by the Philippine Amateur Swimming Association (PASA) and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).
Ticao, despite having Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), has managed to excel in swimming, with Olympian Michael Phelps as his inspiration. "I've realized that they are many like me," Ticao said.
Kiefer Ticao, Emmanuel Blasabas and
Nikita Dacera.
Nineteen-year-old Ticao is also being prepared for the 2010 Olympics in London, where he hopes he could get to see in person his idol Phelps.