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‘Magnificent Seven’ to brave tomorrow’s 20K ocean swim
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Posted on Apr 11 2008
Seven brave swimmers will take on the challenge of the Inaugural Coach Mike’s Insane 20K Ocean Swim set for tomorrow from Marianas Resort beach in Marpi to the Pacific Islands Club beach in San Antonio.
Saipan Swim Club head coach Mike Stewart will lead the seven brave swimmers. Joining Stewart are Rachel Bandelin, Dirk Sharer, Carol Lynn Calobong-Pierce, Monica Yamaguchi, Dr. Florian Braig, and lifeguard Gary de Guzman.
Stewart said they are the ones that signed up and made the commitment of trying to complete the 20K six- to eight-hour ocean swim, which begins at 6am in Marpi.
Stewart said they will have personal support kayakers that will accompany them as they swim from Marianas Resort beach going to Pau Pau through the channel past Micro Beach and continue towards Saipan World Resort then Sugar Dock and the finish line at PIC.
Spectators can watch the “Magnificent Seven” as they pass by at Micro Beach between 8:30am to 9am, at Sugar Dock between 11am to 12nn. The fastest swimmer among the group can finish the 20K Ocean Swim at around noon.
Stewart said he is betting on de Guzman to finish first in the ocean swim since he regularly trains with the Nadador Masters Team. “Gary has worked very hard for months now and I am impressed with his strength and stamina.”
Stewart said the 20K swim will not only test their physical strengths but also their mental strengths.
The swimmers and their kayakers will be welcomed at the PIC beach with a champagne party as soon as the last participant gets out of the water.
A meeting was held on Wednesday night at Hawaii Bar & Grill in Garapan with Stewart giving last-minute pre-race instructions and suggestions for the group.
The race fee is $20 per team of one swimmer and one kayaker as support crew.
For more information, call Stewart at 287-9474.
