PIC will sell ducks until race day

The 2014 PIC Duck Race is all set this Saturday, Feb. 8, but Pacific Islands Club Saipan will still be selling ducks if available on race day.

“We are still counting tickets and marking ducks as we speak,” said PIC Saipan Operations and Events manager Dennis Tababa. “If there are any ducks left come Saturday, you can buy one here right before the event. This year has been extra special as we have already shattered last year’s mark of 2,000 sold ducks. A million thanks to each and every one who assisted with making this event a huge success.”

In all, Tababa said nearly 2,500 ducks have been sold locally and all over the world, including San Salvador, Japan, Korea, Russia, Thailand, The Netherlands and all over the U.S.—California, Texas, Pennsylvania, Montana, New Jersey, Iowa, Indiana, Oregon, Hawaii, and Maine, among others.

PIC Saipan has pledged to give $2,500 in cash to the first duck to cross the finish line. Cash prizes will also be awarded to the second, third, and fourth place ducks.

However, to truly thank all supporters of the annual event, Tababa said PIC Saipan would be awarding $250 cash and a PIC Room Stay Package to the owner of the 25th duck to cross the finish line.

Proceeds from the duck race will once again be donated to the Commonwealth Cancer Association. All in all, PIC Saipan has donated more than $30,000 to CCA since the races’ inception. CCA uses the funds to help those fighting cancer here in the CNMI and to help raise awareness.

In addition to the rubber duck race, PIC will also be hosting The Race Around the River, also known as the Human Duck Race. A total of 24 swimmers will swim one lap around the PIC Lazy River. Outfitted with beak, caps, fins and lifejackets, the participants will be vying for bragging rights and a great team-building award as well.

Duck race director Glenn Policare said all 24 slots for The Race Around the Rive have been filled. Companies, organizations, and individuals that have thrown their hats into the Human Duck Race are Triple J Motors, KKMP, Marpac, Saipan Swim Club, IT&E, Saipan Water and Ice, the Law Office of Robert Torres, Island Apparel, Xerox, IP&E, Trench Tech, FISG, American Red Cross NMI Chapter, Marianas Trekking, APEX, Microl Toyota, Team SEA, Team Hunsburger, Team Ahu, Team Benavente, and Team Balakrishna.

The Human Duck Race will start at 6pm on Feb. 8, while the rubber duck race will begin about 6:30pm. Admission to come watch the race is free. Duck tickets are only $5 each. For more information about the Duck Race or the Race Around the River, contact Tababa and Policare at 237-5147.