Swimmers race for funding

The pride of the CNMI’s waterborne program are putting their talents to the test as the top notch aquatic athletes of the Saipan Swim Club will work to raise funds during next month’s Swim Marathon.

Running a marathon is one heck of a feat for any runner, and the SSC will send all of the Senior, Junior, and Blue Squads into the Kan Pacific Swimming Pool for one and a half hours or 100 lengths of the pool—whichever comes first.

While the swimmers will finish where they begin, their watery 5,000-meter journey will take them a little over three miles in the pool.

The splashing starts at 4pm on Friday, Nov.10, in the Marpi pool and the public is encouraged to cheer for the swimmers when they take their marks. Parent volunteers will count the lengths and time the swimmers while head coach Michael Stewart will verify the number of lengths each swimmer completes.

Even the youngest swimmers will get into the fund raising activity as the Developmental Group will be seeking pledges for their hour or 50 lengths in the water that will benefit the entire swimming program.

According to SSC president Linda Graf, the local community can show its support to the team that routinely brings home the most medals in international competition by pledging any amount per length or a flat total amount.

“For example, if you pledge $.50 per length and the swimmer completes 50 lengths then the total amount owed would be $25.00 ($.50 X 50 lengths equals $25.00). Some donors are pledging a flat amount and will donate that amount no matter how many lengths the swimmer completes,” she said.

The SSC has helped over a thousand children learn to swim through three decades and those organizers have passed along lessons in teamwork, sportsmanship, self-confidence, and the value of a healthy lifestyle—all the while stressing the balance of their dedication to the sport while maintaining excellence in their studies.

“Our Senior and Junior squads practice six days a week for two and a half to three hours per practice. They are so dedicated and work so hard. They want to do their very best at swim meets for themselves, for the team and for the CNMI. All pledges either flat rate or per length, for whatever amount will be greatly appreciated,” she said.

Unlike the local baseball program, the SSC is a non-profit organization that does not receive any funding from the CNMI government and relies solely on the monthly swim fees and the fundraising efforts.

Graf said that the Swim Marathon has proved fruitful in the past and organizers hope to do even better that their campaign from two years ago.

“This was a very successful fundraiser for us when we did this in 2004 to raise money to hire a coach when Bill (Sakovich) retired to Hawaii. At that time we raised almost $17,000. This year we are hoping to hit $20,000,” she said.

To make a donation to the swimmers, contact Stewart by calling 322-9474 or Graf at 322-4723, who both will in turn pass the pledge along to the swimmers.