Antipolo City's public school hones students to become future champion in sports
By Nel Andrade
A public elementary school in Antipolo City is honing talented students into becoming winners in various fields of sports.
Juan Sumulong Elementary School (JSES), located in Barangay San Roque, has been molding its students through proper training and instilling discipline as part of its strategy to develop future sports champions.
One example is Grade 6 student Kayleigh Jae Anne Magpusao Camacho, an 11-year-old from Barangay San Roque. A newcomer to competitive swimming, she began training in the sport only in July this year.
Although a neophyte in competition, the student-athlete’s passion began to develop when she enrolled in swimming lessons last April.
Camacho secured a third place in two events at the recently concluded Antipolo City Unit Meet held in Angono, Rizal.
Her private coach, Ian Villacrusis of Aqua Gems Resort in Antipolo, recognized Camacho's potential even when she was just starting out as a beginner during the summer.
It was Villacrusis who brought the young swimmer to compete in the 2nd Swim League of the Rizal Province Giants Swim Series 2025, held in Muntinlupa on Aug. 16. Camacho emerged as one of the top placers in the competition - 1st in freestyle, 2nd in butterfly, 2nd in breaststroke, 4th in kickboard, and 5th in backstroke.
Upon learning of Kalyleigh’s rapid improvement and her potential to win medals in larger competitions, JSES appointed a school coach, Adrian Mirambel, to support the 11-year-old swimmer in her continuing sports journey.
Donna Camacho, mother of Kayleigh, expressed gratitude to the JSES community, led by their principal, Ms. Joyanny ST. Gutierrez, and Grade 6-Gratitude’s class adviser, Ms. Analyn Magdaleno, for allowing her daughter to pursue training and competitions that led to her recent achievements.
During the Antipolo Unit Meet Swimming Competition held at Olympus Venue and Café in Angono, Rizal, on Sept. 13, Camacho bagged third place in the 50-meter freestyle and 100-meter butterfly events.
Camacho’s parents said they are hopeful that the local government of Antipolo and the Rizal Provincial Government will support their daughter and other young athletes with potential to bring glory to the city and the province through their sports endeavors.
Recently, the girl’s team of JSES girls' futsal team also made it to the top in the Antipolo City Meet 2025-2026.