NMI paddlers raising funds for Guam Micro Cup

About 50 CNMI paddlers from the Saipan Paddling Club, Marianas Pacific Paddlers, and Marianas Outrigger Club are gearing up and fundraising for their trip down south to Guam for the 26th Annual Micronesia Cup Canoe Race, which will be held Oct. 15-18.

While the Northern Marianas National Paddle Sports Federation decided to cancel the remainder of its events for the year, it remains dedicated to supporting the teams representing the CNMI at the Micro Cup, so they held a scrimmage at Kilili Beach on Saturday, Sept. 26.

Catching up with the teams during their scrimmage, MPP president Annie Trusso said they will be having a happy hour sendoff at Black 8 Pool Bar on Oct. 3, with tickets at $20 each and a live pig as the grand prize. She also thanked their supporters who participated in their recent bingo fundraiser.

For SPC, Jenisha Dubrall said they will have a carwash on Oct. 10 at the Shell in Dandan from 8am to 2pm, with tickets at $10 each. They also have a GoFundMe link to donate to here: https://gofund.me/031ec14d4

As for MOC, Dan Taitano said they will be having a hot-lunch fundraiser for $10 each on Oct. 10 at one of the Kilili pavilions.

Talking about how their clubs are doing this year, Trusso said, “It has obviously been a tumultuous year. Obviously, we’ve had the two super typhoons, and in spite of that, our club has been committed to getting back in the water. I think it’s safe to say we’ve all found some reprieve and solace, some hope in being together and sharing the time being on the water.”

“Thank you to Pad Fed for still putting on these races for us to scrimmage against each other so we can prepare for Micro Cup,” she said. “And most importantly, our club feels so grateful to the community, because in spite of the hardships that we’ve been facing this year especially, people have shown up for us in so many ways.”

Dubrall echoed Trusso’s sentiments and added, “I think our performance that we will showcase in Guam will show just how strong we are and how we are able to bounce back from things no matter how hard. It’s been tough mentally, physically, and financially, but through it all, I think Saipan as a whole, we’re going to do our best despite all our setbacks.”

NMNPSF president Justin Andrew said that despite the challenges of the year, the teams are still pushing through to fundraise and represent the CNMI, while supporting the annual Micronesian Cup that rotates between Guam, CNMI, and Palau.

“We wanted to put this race out for the teams that are going to Guam as a tune-up and practice, so the federation decided to set aside a date to get the crews out in the water and give them support, while at the same time giving them a chance to train and gauge each other. We’re all going to Guam to represent our respective clubs, but also, we’re representing the Commonwealth.”

“The bottom line is that we want to do our best to support the Micronesia Cup, and so we want to bring enough support to Guam so that the Micro Cup is fun and we make new friends,” he said.

He then thanked everyone who has supported the federation. “All the families and friends and everyone that has supported us one way or another, we really appreciate you guys,” he said.