By Bryan Manabat
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
THE NMI Swimming Federation is preparing to send 15 athletes to the Oceania Championships in Fiji scheduled for May 7–13, federation officials and swimmers told the Saipan Rotary Club on Tuesday.
The competition brings together nations from across Oceania and offers one of the region’s best opportunities for NMI swimmers to reach the podium, said John Hirsh, the federation’s president, who also serves with Oceania Aquatics.
Unlike world championships, where athletes compete against the top swimmers in the world, the Oceania meet provides a more level playing field.
“This is an incredible opportunity for our swimmers,” Hirsh said. “At world championships, we’re there to do our personal best. At Oceania, we can get on the podium.”
Swimmers and coaches described months of preparation, including six training sessions a week lasting about two hours each.
Coach Christian Villacrusis said the athletes are “working hard to represent our islands well,” especially with the Pacific Games in Tahiti scheduled for next year.
Team members also spoke about the financial challenges of traveling to Fiji. They have been raising funds through car washes, hot lunch sales, raffles, and a garage sale but still need additional support.
“This is a huge opportunity for us as young athletes,” said swimmer Narissa Litulumar. “Everyone’s support means a lot and will help us pursue our goals.”
High school senior Koki Watanabe said the Fiji meet will likely be his final competition before leaving for college.
“I really want to go to this competition,” he said.
The federation emphasized that, unlike most government programs in the NMI, sports operate independently from the U.S. system. The NMI Swimming Federation is a member of Oceania Aquatics and World Aquatics, giving the islands full international representation separate from USA Swimming.
The team hopes to finalize travel arrangements in the coming weeks.
Bryan Manabat was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College where he also studied criminal justice. He is the recipient of the NMI Humanities Award as an Outstanding Teacher (Non-Classroom) in 2013, and has worked for the CNMI Motheread/Fatheread Literacy Program as lead facilitator.
