MTEC sponsors runners to PIC Hafa Adai 5K

Marianas Tourism Education Council has sponsored 100 MY WAVE Club members who will participate in the Pacific Islands Club’s Hafa Adai 5K that will hit the road on April 9.

MTEC helps organize MY WAVE Clubs in order to teach kids about the benefit and value of our tourism industry. MTEC chair Vicky Benavente said supporting events like the PIC Hafa Adai 5K falls directly in line with the MTEC mission.

“Having our students become more involved with community events helps them understand the vital link between themselves and the visitors who come to our islands for fun and relaxation,” she said.

Since its inception, the PIC Hafa Adai 5K has raised $16,000 for local non-profit groups. Last year, the event raised $10,000 for the Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. This year, race proceeds will benefit the Northern Mariana Islands Chapter of the American Red Cross.

PIC Sports, Entertainment and Activities director Glenn Policare launched the PIC Hafa Adai 5K in 2014 as a way to promote physical activities and raise funds for local organizations. The race has since become one of PIC Saipan’s signature events.

While the Red Cross may be this year’s beneficiary, PIC has pledged an additional $1,500 in sporting equipment to be distributed to three local schools. According to event director Keoni Ichihara, the elementary, middle and high schools with the most paid participants in the PIC Hafa Adai 5K will take home the top prize.

The elementary (grades 1-5), junior high/middle schools (grades 6-8) and high schools (grades 9-12) which have the most paid entries into the Hafa Adai 5K will earn their respective schools some brand new sporting equipment. To date, more than 20 schools have registered participants in next month’s event. The list includes Dandan Middle School, Eucon, Garapan Elementary School, Grace Christian Academy, Gregory T. Camacho Elementary School. Hopwood Junior High, Kagman Elementary School, Kagman High School, Koblerville Elementary School, Marianas Baptist Academy, Marianas High, Mount Carmel, Oleai Elementary School , Saipan Community School, Saipan International School, , Saipan Southern High School, San Antonio Middle School, San Vicente Elementary School, Seventh Day Adventist School, Tanapag Middle School, and William S. Reyes Elementary School.

“I think the kids have the most fun at this event,” Activities manager Dion Camacho said. “Last year, they were the ones who were covered in the most color!”

The 5KM will start and end at PIC Saipan and will feature five different coloring stations along the Beach Road route. Participants are encouraged to wear white attire so the full effect of the coloring stations can be seen post-race. Volunteers will be celebrating each runner’s arrival by greeting them with “holi powder;” a biodegradable mixture of corn starch and food coloring.

Registration for the PIC Hafa Adai 5K is only $10 and entry forms are available at Triple J Motors on Beach Road, the PIC lobby, Gold’s Gym, Boarderline and the Marianas Visitors Authority. All completed entry forms must be turned in to the PIC front desk.

For more information, please contact Ichihara at 237-5147. (PR)