Previous Story
SSC to compete in survival of the fittest
|
Posted on Apr 21 2005
After posting a string of successful virtual meets, the Saipan Swim Club and coach Michael Stewart are heading off to the Land Down Under to compete against actual opponents as seven top swimmers will test the waters of the 2005 Arafura Games in Darwin, Australia.
Coach Stewart and his team of Ben Babauta, Michael Camacho, Natasha Good, Cooper Graf, Amanda Johnson, Nina Mosley, and Myana Welch will be accompanied by a support group composed of several parents for the duration of the games—Saturday, May 14 through Sunday, May 22.
The Arafura Games, is known throughout the region as a mini-Olympiad and include elaborate opening and closing ceremonies, in which the local delegates will proudly display the CNMI flag during the parades at both.
According to Stewart, the swimmers stand to benefit from the trip both in and out of the water, and will have the opportunity to expose the rest of the region to the talents and hospitalities of the CNMI.
“The Arafura Games are a fantastic opportunity for our swimmers to gain experience in international competitions. It also gives the swimmers a chance to interact with people from other lands and cultures and to act as goodwill ambassadors for the CNMI,” said Stewart.
In order to raise the necessary funds to make the trip possible, the SSC will be holding a fundraising carwash this Saturday, April 23, from 9am to 1pm at the McDonald’s on Chalan Pale Arnold, where dirty cars, donations, and well wishes will be welcome.
Held every other year, the Arafura Games bring together thousands of top caliber athletes from over 35 countries to compete in 31 sports, and the 2005 edition of the games is expected to be higher than normal due to SARD scare that caused the cancellation of the 2003.
The theme for the 2005 Arafura Games is “Sporting Neighbors—Developing the World’s Elite Athletes.” Each of the local swimmers will participate in at least eight preliminary heats, with the possibility of advancing to the finals.
