146 events on tap for International Meet

By the time this paper reaches newsstands across the CNMI, the Saipan Swim Club will be just hours away from competing against aquatic delegations from Palau, Guam, and Japan in this weekend’s International Meet at the Kan Pacific Swimming Pool in Marpi.

According to SSC head coach Michael Stewart, more than 120 off-island tankers will man the lanes with Saipan’s top crop this afternoon to kick off the start of the 146 events that will span the better part of today and tomorrow.

Three teams from Japan, two from Guam, and the Palauan National Team will join the CNMI’s finest in 73 men’s events and 73 women’s heats. Stewart estimates that the swimmers and their supporters will bring in nearly 300 people to Saipan for what will be one of the most exciting events to hit the pool since last year’s event. The upcoming 6th Micronesian Games will have far fewer events as there is only one age group competing, so the action at the pool will be unmatched throughout the rest of the year.

In addition to the SSC’s young talent, Stewart said that the event will be open to a number of senior swimmers who have spent the time in the lanes.

“We’re inviting some of the older athletes who have been training to come on in and swim. We have a few of our masters on the Nadadores squad who will be swimming this weekend as well as some from Guam and Japan from their respective masters programs,” he said.

The events start today at 3pm and should wrap-up before sunset and will resume tomorrow morning at 8am for the first of two sessions. The second session will get started at 3pm and come to an end at 5pm, but the pool won’t be the only water in which the tankers will travel.

Stewart said that nearly 90 percent of the international field would be sticking around to participate in SSC’s 28th annual Saipan Ocean Swim this Sunday, March 19.

While those with extensive swimming experience will have an advantage in the water, the depth around the course is such that one may stand upright at any time. Just to be sure, the swim club will have a mini-armada of kayaks and the officers from DPS Boating Safety afloat around the course to watch the waders take on the tanks.

The annual event is one of the biggest fund raisers for the organization that consistently produces medals and championships both at home in the Kan Pacific tank as well as overseas, and just like always, the public is encouraged to get into the swim.

The cost to participate in the 28th Annual SSC Ocean Swim is $40 and includes a commemorative race T-shirt, certificate, and brunch awards ceremony at Saipan World Resort. Registration forms are available at any of the swim team practices and coach Stewart said that he will send them via email to all who contact him at wfla@hotmail.com or call him at 287-WISH.