1st Saipan International Open Water Flipper Tournament set

One of the premiere snorkeling spots in the Pacific opens up to a new audience, as Managaha Island in the Northern Mariana Islands becomes home to a new international flipper race in June 2009.

The Inaugural Saipan International Open Water Flipper Tournament will be held on June 20, 2009, around Managaha Island, a tiny island in the lagoon of Saipan, the capital island of the Northern Marianas.

Managaha Island was selected No. 1 snorkeling spot at last year’s Marine Diving Fair in Japan. Over 100 participants are already expected for the 1.5-kilometer race, which allows swimmers to use fins, snorkels, and wet suits or life jackets.

The event is sponsored by Marianas Visitors Authority and Community Sports Center Foundation of Japan.

“We were able to entice Community Sports Center Foundation to look at Managaha a few months ago as a potential event site, and they liked the location,” said MVA managing director Perry Tenorio. “This will be a cooperative effort, with MVA producing the tournament and the foundation marketing it to their members in Japan.”

The race will start at 6:30am. An island-style breakfast and awards ceremony will be held following the race. The following awards will be given: Overall Male/Female (first to third), Junior Male/Female (10-and-under, 11-12 years, 13-15 years, and 16-18 years), and Male/Female by age (19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60 and over).

DFS Galleria will be providing a small gift and the following hotels are offering 15 percent discount at their restaurants to participants who show a tournament identification card: Mariana Resort & Spa, Aqua Resort Club Saipan, Palms Resort Saipan, Hafa Adai Beach Hotel, Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan, Hyatt Regency Saipan, Saipan Grand Hotel, Pacific Islands Club Saipan, Saipan World Resort, and Coral Ocean Point Resort.

The cost is $45 for CNMI residents. The deadline to register with the MVA is June 19, during orientation at American Memorial Park on Saipan. Participants must be in good health with snorkeling or diving experience. Mask, snorkel, fins, and wet suit or life jacket are required.

“Anyone who has not yet experienced the underwater world of Managaha Island is in for a real treat,” said Tenorio. “This is just one small example of how the CNMI’s marine conservation efforts are paying off.”

Co-sponsors of the race are Japan Marine Recreation Association, Japan Recreational Diving Industry Association, Japan Scuba Association, Japan Wetsuits Manufacturers Association, University Life Sport Education Society, Northern Mariana Diving Operators Association (NMDOA), Northwest Airlines, Continental Airlines, Pacific Subsea, and CNMI Dept. of Public Safety Boating Safety Unit.

For more information or to register, contact MVA at info@mymarianas.com. (PR)