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Racers celebrate Christmas tomorrow
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Posted on Dec 02 2004
Even though the Thanksgiving Day holiday is just a week old, people from all over the Pacific region will be coming to Saipan to celebrate the 3rd Annual Christmas in the Marianas Outrigger Canoe Race.
The Marianas Visitors Authority and the NMI Kanu Federation Racing Committee have joined forces to bring back the sprint and distance races, and all of the action gets underway at 9am tomorrow off the coast of Kilili Beach.
The two-day event will host a 500-meter race and a 1,500m race for the teams on Saturday, and a 9-mile long distance on Sunday, Dec. 5.
The lure of the local favorite has attracted men’s teams from the Hong Kong Outrigger Club, Ohana Hoe Japan, Ohana Guam, Haggan Guam, as well as a women’s team from Haggan, Guam.
The competitors will be divided into four categories, as the open men’s, open women’s will cater to the adults in the field, and the junior boys and junior girls will be aimed at developing the up and coming paddlers.
The sprint races will be held Kilili Beach Park, while the distance race will begin at Kilili Beach Park, proceed north until the 13 Fishermen’s Memorial, turn for the Saipan Grand Hotel, and turn once more for the finish at Kilili Beach Park. The total approximate distance is 9 miles.
“We’re looking to have a great time while celebrating the third anniversary of this event, promote and support the sport of outrigger canoeing in the Marianas, and to attract international media and participation to the event,” said Ed Johnson of the Marianas Visitors Authority.
Johnson added that the racers will be competing for more than just bragging rights, as cash prizes will be given to the Top 3 winners in the open category, certificates will be given to all junior participants, and medals will be given to the Top 3 winners in the junior category.
For more information, please contact Johnson by calling the MVA at 664-3226/3200, or via e-mail at mva@saipan.com.
