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Organizers looking for Japanese escapees
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Posted on May 16 2006
With two and a half weeks before a crowd of super-swimmers and a fleet of noble kayakers partake in the Escape From Managaha. Organizers of the fundraising event are looking to the west in search of enticing in some of Japan’s finest open water waders to make a return trip to the Marianas.
For the fourth year in a row, challengers will attempt to cross shipping lanes in order to complete the 3-kilometer journey from Managaha to Micro Beach on June 3 and this time around the local planners are hoping that member of Japan’s Ocean Kings defend their titles.
Last year Tatuya Motoyama led a largely Japanese field of 53 swimmers through the clear waters between the smallest island in the Marianas to Saipan’s Micro Beach as the veteran open water swimmer traversed the three kilometer distance in 37:09—just under three minutes faster than second place finisher Kouichi Manago at 40:02.
A total of 11 members of Umiou swim club, which is Japanese for Ocean Kings, made the journey for the Escape with Motoyama—all of whom finished in less than 55 minutes, and they placed six swimmers in the Top 10.
While Mother Nature finally allowed organizers to set the swimmers free from the shores Managaha for the first time in the history of the event, the locals want another crack at the swim in 2006.
The fee to participate in the event is only $20, and this time around all of the proceeds will go directly into the coffers of the Saipan Swim Club.
In exchange for their funds, swimmers will receive one heck of an inter-island trip, a T-shirt, and a post-swim barbeque when they reach Micro Beach. There is even an opportunity for non-swimmers to have fun atop kayaks and as partygoers as the SSC will need volunteers to paddle along to ensure the safety of the escapees. Those wishing to challenge the chicken at the barbeque can sample the food and fun for a donation of $10.
For more information about the 4th Annual Escape From Managaha, contact SSC head coach Michael Stewart via email at wfla@hotmail.com or place your bid for the open seat on the kayak at thesportsshow1080@yahoo.com.
