SAIPAN — Several dozen members of China’s Guangzhou Tianhe District Swimming Association came to Saipan on a five-day tour highlighted by their first-ever “SWIM in The Marianas” event on Tuesday, December 2.
Organized with the MVA, the event featured 45 swimmers who entered Saipan’s lagoon from Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan for a 1-kilometer swim. MVA said some participants completed the full course while others swam at an easier pace, stopping for photos and enjoying the water conditions.
“Our group normally swims in lakes or along the coastline, but we’ve never had the experience of swimming in the middle of the Pacific ocean before,” said Yang Dong Hai, vice president of the Hui Dong Swimming Sports Association, speaking through an interpreter. He said the group noted clean water, varying ocean colors, and interactions with small fish.
The group’s itinerary also included a swim to one of Saipan’s World War II tanks before the main event, a visit to Managaha where the group saw sea turtles, an island tour, and a sightseeing flight over Saipan.
Safety support during the swim included DPS Boating Safety, 500 Sails, and Capt. Nite’s Boat Charter, with additional support from the U.S. Coast Guard Saipan Office, Department of Fire & Emergency Medical Services, Saipan International School, and Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan. MVA said the Division of Fish & Wildlife also contributed an educational brochure on Saipan’s marine life.
Guangzhou Tianhe District Swimming Association has hosted open-water events across multiple countries with participation as high as 2,000 swimmers, and organizers expressed hope the Saipan swim will lead to more events in the Marianas.
“Thanks to the strong support of our partners, SWIM in the Marianas was a success, as evidenced by the smiles on the participants’ faces,” said MVA Managing Director Jamika R. Taijeron, adding the MVA hopes to continue welcoming swimmers from China.
