Snorkel Around Managaha on June 28

The Marianas Visitors Authority’s annual Saipan International Open Water Flipper Tournament returns this month with a new name. The first Swimming Festival in Managaha (6th Flipper Race) will be held on June 28, 2014. Organizers plan to make it an annual event.

The first Swimming Festival in Managaha, formerly the Saipan International Open Water Flipper Race Tournament, will be held in the Northern Mariana Islands on June 28, 2014. The event is organized by the Marianas Visitors Authority and the Community Sports Center Foundation of Japan. (MVA)

The MVA is inviting all swimmers and snorkelers to discover the underwater wonders of Managaha with a 1.5K course around the island.

For 11consecutive 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.

“Based on the recommendation of our Japan office to attract more participants, we are presenting the same stunning beauty of Managaha under a new name this year—the Swimming Festival in Managaha,” said MVA Community Projects manager Martin Duenas. “If you’ve never had a chance to explore the award-winning underwater scenes of Managaha, the swimming festival is the perfect time to do so under the watchful eye of our safety volunteers.”

Managaha is the most popular site for visitors to Saipan. Twenty-seven participants joined the annual signature event of the MVA last year, a figure the MVA predicts to more than double this year.

This unique race requires swimmers to 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 place), 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.

The event is jointly organized by the MVA and the Community Sports Center Foundation of Japan. 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.comor call Ed Diaz at (670) 664-3210. (MVA)