By Jonathan V. Perez
Variety News Staff

THE Commonwealth Outrigger Paddlers and Racers Association will hold its second meeting today in the Gilbert C. Ada Gym conference room.
On the agenda of the meeting will be COPRA’s plans for 2007 including reviving the junior program of the sport to develop outrigger canoe racing in the CNMI.
The group first met on Nov. 28 one month after the successful staging of the 8th Micronesian Cup in October.
Micro Cup race director Rob Jordan called the meeting.
Jordan with representatives of various canoe clubs and organizations on the island are working tirelessly to promote interest in the sport of outrigger canoeing.
COPRA is composed of the CNMI Outrigger Canoe Federation, various canoe clubs on the island and other paddling enthusiasts.
COPRA was formed in order to promote the sport of outrigger canoe racing in the CNMI.
Jordan is hoping the recent staging of the Micro Cup will boost interest in outrigger canoeing especially with the youth. They hope to develop a consistent youth paddling program in the CNMI.
The Saipan Outrigger Canoe Club men’s team won two gold and a silver while the women’s snatched a gold, silver and bronze in the three events contested in the two-day race last October.
For more information, call Jordan at 287-9554 or email him at saipanslug@yahoo.com.