Swimming Festival registration deadline on June 27

The last day to register for the Marianas Visitors Authority’s inaugural Swimming Festival (formerly the Saipan International Open Water Flipper Race Tournament) on Managaha on June 28, 2014, is the day before the event, June 27.

So far, 44 swimmers from Japan have registered for the event. They include gymnast and Olympic medalist Takehiro Kashima, who won gold and bronze medals in the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens and a silver medal in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. Kashima is the guest of Central Sports Co., Ltd., the largest fitness club franchise in Japan and co-organizer of the swimming festival.

“We’re very excited to hear from our Japan office that Olympic medalist Takehiro Kashima is expected to join the list of swimmers this year,” said MVA community projects manager Martin Duenas. “As always, safety is our first concern, and we look forward to providing a safe and enjoyable event for all the participants during the festival.”

Representatives of Japan media Marine Diving Magazine and Music Bird radio will also be on island to cover the event.

The MVA is inviting all swimmers and snorkelers to discover the underwater wonders of Managaha with a 1.5K course around the island. For 11 consecutive years Managaha has been named “Best Beach and Snorkeling” at Japan’s annual Marine Diving Fair, and local swimmers are invited to join visitors in exploring the submarine beauty of the island this month.

This unique race requires swimmers to must use wetsuits or life jacket and fins along with mask and snorkels. Awards will be given for Overall Male and Female (first, second, and third places), Junior Male and Female (ages 10 and under, 11-12, 13-15, and 16-18). Competition age divisions are: 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60-and-up.

Ferries will depart Smiling Cove Marina to Managaha promptly at 4:45am the morning of the race. The race will begin at 6:30am, followed by an island-style breakfast and awards ceremony on the white sand beaches of Managaha.

The cost is $25 for Northern Mariana Islands residents with valid I.D. The deadline to register with the MVA is June 27, 2014, from 4:30pm to 5:30pm during the orientation at the American Memorial Park amphitheater on Saipan. Participants must be in good health with snorkeling or diving experience.

Event sponsors include Japan Marine Recreation Association, Japan Recreational Diving Industry Association, Japan Scuba Association, Japan Wetsuits Manufacturers Association, University life Sport Education Society, and Northern Mariana Diving Operators Association. Co-sponsors of the event are Delta Air Lines, Japan Saipan Travel Association, Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands, DFS Saipan, and the Commonwealth Health Center.

For more information or to register, visit the MVA Events Calendar at www.mymarianas.com or call Ed Diaz at 664-3210. (MVA)