CNMI, Guam, RMI to compete in 24th Micro Cup this weekend

After a 12-year hiatus from hosting, the annual Micronesia Cup Canoe Race is gracing the CNMI’s shores once again—this time in its 24th edition that is happening tomorrow, Friday, Oct. 18, to Sunday, Oct. 20 in the waters off Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan in Garapan.

The Micro Cup is a regional va’a outrigger race that is hosted alternately by Guam, Palau, and the CNMI. Last year, it was hosted by Guam, with CNMI hauling in a bunch of medals.

This year, the CNMI is once again bringing out the best of the best paddlers from three of its paddling clubs—Marianas Outrigger Club, Marianas Pacific Paddlers, and the Saipan Paddling Club to represent at home against paddlers from Guam and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

The teams from Guam include Animun Tasi, Bihun Tasi, Haggan Jrs., Maneran Galaide, Napu, PFM, Poksai Canoe Club, Puti’on Tasi, and Taotao Galaide.

The lone team from RMI that made the long trip to Saipan is the Majol Canoe Paddling Club.

The race categories are the V1, V6, and V12 500-meter and 1,500-meter sprints. V1 and V6 also have a distance race. The divisions include the men’s, women’s, juniors, and masters.

Tomorrow, the V1 500m sprint is starting at 11am, with the V12 sprints to follow.

The opening ceremony with a 500 Sails canoe blessing is set for Saturday at 7am. The V6 500m and 1,500m sprints are set for 7:30am.

On the last day on Sunday, the V1 and V6 distance race is set to start at 6:30am.

Loriann Rabe, a member of the event’s organizing committee, said that the three teams under the Northern Marianas National Paddling Sports Federation, “have been training relentlessly all season, dedicating countless hours on the water to prepare for the Micronesia Cup. Having just concluded our local race season, the paddlers are in top form and eager to compete. As the host country, there’s a strong sense of pride, and we’re all thrilled for the chance to represent the CNMI on home turf, especially with traveling teams coming in from across Micronesia.”

She said, “each club has been pushing their limits, and with the opportunity to showcase their skills here at home, they’re more motivated than ever. There’s a real sense of camaraderie and anticipation among our paddlers to make this a memorable event, not just for the local community, but for the visiting teams as well. We can’t wait to see these teams compete and show what CNMI paddlers are made of!”

As for how the NMNPSF is feeling heading into hosting the event, she said the NMNPSF “is proud to spearhead this special event, which will showcase the talents of men’s, women’s, junior, and master paddlers from clubs across the CNMI, Guam, and the Marshall Islands.”

She added, “We invite the whole community to come out and experience the excitement. Admission is free, and there will be local food and craft vendors on-site for everyone to enjoy. So, grab your sunblock and get ready for an unforgettable day of racing, fun, and community spirit. The NMNPSF can’t wait to welcome you all!”

She then concluded with, “This event would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors. Their generosity is a true testament to the spirit of community partnership, with everyone pitching in to make this event a success. That’s what makes it so special.”

NMNPSF would like to thank the following sponsors: Tan Holdings, Tan Siu Lin Foundation, Crowne Plaza, IT&E, MARPAC, Marianas Visitors Authority, Turnkey Solutions, The Athlete’s Foot, Paradise Realty Saipan, Marianas Pacific Paddlers, Micronesia Brokers, H.K. Pangelinan & Associates, LLC, Coca Cola, UR Tents, Northern Marianas College’s media team, Hafa Adai Rent A Car, and Herman’s Bakery.

Special thanks to the Saipan Mayor’s Office, Department of Fire and Emergency Management Services, Division of Parks & Recreations, Rep. John Paul Sablan (Ind-Saipan), Vince Castro, Next Level Media CNMI, Christopher Toto, Angie Yarormad, CNMI Designs, KKMP, Pacific Development, Inc., Chamolinian Cultural Village Inc., Wiski Services, 500 Sails, Pualani Crown, Mariana Islands Nature Alliance, I Napu Dance Group, Da Kine, Tipiyew Bwiibwis, and Asia Hilario.