It\u2019s always better to prepare early, thus with seven months away from the 2009 Saipan Sportsfest, organizer Taga Inc. has already lined up several events from April 15 to 26.<\/p>\n
Major events for the weeklong fun and activity would be the XTERRA University (April 15); XTERRA Saipan Championship on April 18, 2009; Tagaman Triathlon on April 25, 2009, and simultaneously the Taga Kids Triathlon.<\/p>\n
Taga Inc. president Wolf Mojica said there would also be clinics and socializing activities to spice-up the event, which is jointly sponsored by Pacific Islands Club, DFS Galleria Saipan, Coca-Cola, Subway, Glimpses of Saipan, Foremost, and Northwest Airlines. PTI has also provided hats and other support.<\/p>\n
Government agencies are also major partners for the event that included Marianas Visitors Authority, Division of Parks and Recreation, Departments of Public Safety, and Public Health.<\/p>\n
Mojica said they also rely heavily on volunteers to help with aid stations, directions for the participants and other duties.<\/p>\n
The first who has registered is living in Japan.<\/p>\n
Professional triathletes from around the world will be coming to Saipan not only to compete but will also to educate the young by sharing their experiences.<\/p>\n
Mojica said registration could be made online at http:\/\/www.sainpansports.com. <\/p>\n
Mojica said Christopher Flanagan would be competing for the Tagaman, the same event he competed last year.<\/p>\n
The XTERRA Saipan Championship is a qualifier for the XTERRA World Championships to be held in Maui on Oct. 2009. There will be 34 qualifying slots to be awarded.<\/p>\n
Representatives of Taga Inc. will be going to Maui in next month to observe and assist in the 2008 Maui event.<\/p>\n
Saipan qualifiers for this year\u00eds XTERRA Maui include Mieko Carey, Manny Sitchon and Ronald Villafria.<\/p>\n
Carey earlier this week confirmed she is definitely competing while Sitchon begged off due to lack of financial resources.<\/p>\n
The defending champions for both events have expressed willingness to come back.<\/p>\n
Olympians who have competed previously did not make it this year because of the 2008 Beijing Summer Games.<\/p>\n
Mojica is hoping that they will be coming back next year.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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