Paddle out tribute held for ‘Mrs.’

A heartfelt and beautiful “Celebration of Life” tribute was held for the late Saipan Swim Club co-founder and 2004 CNMI Sports Hall of Famer Jean “Jeannie” Sakovich at the Guma Sakman in Susupe last Sunday.

The memorial was live-streamed and watched by her family including widower, co-founder of SCC, and fellow Hall of Famer Bill Sakovich in Hawaii.

Before proceeding in the water for the paddle out, the ceremony was serenaded by Larry and Kui Lee and Ed Johnson.

Flowers placed by people who attended the tribute covered the water with its colorful petals as some swam out and paddled out in their canoes for another tribute in the water off the shores of Susupe.

On land, an outpouring of memories was shared from the diverse lives she touched throughout the years—from the Winkfield family including Jacoby, Bobby, and Debbie; Bob Coldeen, Jeff Race, Colin Thompson, Keanna Villagomez, Michail Villagomez, and Roberta Guerrero.

As the group formed a circle by the water’s edge, they shared stories and memories of Jean, who Saipan swimmers fondly called “Mrs.”

They highlighted her dedication, hard work, and passion for swimming and the values and lessons she instilled in the swimmers, and how her legacy continues to inspire the next generation. They also expressed gratitude toward Jean and Bill for their leadership and selflessness in leading Saipan’s swimming community.

Jean arrived on Saipan in 1973 from Hawaii and formed the first sports club on Saipan in 1974.

Glen Policare led the memorial and opened up with what Carolyn Pierce wrote in SCC’s newsletter, The Trident’s last issue. “Jean Sakovich had a lifelong passion for swimming that she shared with hundreds of all ages for 55 years. This final issue of the Saipan Swim Club is dedicated to her and her accomplishments with the over 300 swimmers from the Northern Marianas.”

Jacoby Winkfield wrapped up the tribute and said, “Thank you to the legacy and the gift you gave us. I see all of my fellow swimmers out there and other generations. They’re still here and supporting the community. You gave all of us a gift—something that we can do for a very long time, so thank you. I’m sharing that with my kids and trying to pass it on to the community.”

Bill told Saipan Tribune in an email that the tribute was a “wonderful tribute” to his wife “who has done a lot around the world especially in aquatic activities.”

“I really want to thank Jacoby Winkfield and Glenn Policare for organizing the tribute on Saipan. It was so nice to see Saipan and our Saipan friends again and the beaches where the Saipan Swim Club had its beginnings,” said Bill.

“Jeannie and I are indebted to the people of Saipan and the tributes that keep coming in. Thank you to those heartfelt comments by Bob and Debbie Winkfield, Bob Coldeen, Jeff Race, Roberta Guerrero, and others who offered their kind words. Thank you, Saipan, si yu’us ma’ase!” he said.

Bill added that earlier on the same day of the Saipan tribute, they honored Jean with a paddle out to Hilo Bay in Hawaii with about 50 canoes that participated in a traditional Hawaiian farewell. CNMI’s Jeremy Winkfield and Chris Nelson were in attendance. Also, last Friday, Bill said that a “Celebration of Life” was held with about 250 attendees at the Hilo Yacht Club.

Bill said that the CNMI Legislature acknowledged Jean with a proclamation, and the Oceania Swimming Federation acknowledged her with the Outstanding Swim Coach of the Year award in the Pacific Islands and the Jean Sakovich Memorial Award that is presented at each Oceania Championships.

In Hilo, she has been praised by her outrigger canoe paddling club Keaukaha Canoe Club, the Warriors Aquatic Swim Club, and Hawaiian Swimming.