PADDLERS FIGHT CANCER

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By Robert Balajadia

Docomo cheerleaders cheer-on their paddlers during the race. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)

A warm  Sunday of paddling for a good cause, fun in the sun, and bonding were the highlights of the fourth annual 2013 Paddle Against Cancer at Matapang Beach, sponsored by 76 Circle K.  24 companies and organizations got together for friendly rounds of paddling with all the St. Patrick Day’s greens (money) going towards the fight against cancer.

Market and retail manager Marivel Anderson of 76 Circle K has seen the growth of the event having started with only 12 companies getting involved in the first year and now doubling their total on their fourth go around.

Anderson shared her experiences with the event stating,”the companies that participate in this event return without us having to make a call so we’ve been growing every year since our first.  We are doing this for Relay for Life.  This event is a good way to get the community involved and let everyone know what we were doing, also doing something fun!  It is also a team building event and even though you may not like that person in the office, you have to work as a team.”

Team PIC pulling in during the Paddle Against Cancer Race at the Matapang Beach. (photo by Errol Alegre)

The Paddle Against Cancer races have seen a consistent showing from Prestige Automobile, last years event winners.  Though Prestige have been dominating the waters their goal is not to win but to just get together and have a good time.  President John Shen and the crew are always ready to commit to any team related activity, especially one for a good cause.

“We just want to come out and support a good cause.  This is a team building event for Prestige Auto and we are never thinking about winning, we just want to come out together and have fun with family.  Our team just so happens to come out aggressive.  This event is great and is getting bigger and we hope to see it to continue to grow,” stated Shen.

Ambros also had a set of motivational cheerers – including San Nick – who supported their team throughout the day. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)

Coach of the Prestige Automobile team Glen Grover added “This is one event we look forward to.  It is very rare that we do come out to events so we just come to paddle, sit back and relax, and eat barbecue.”

New teams often mean new paddlers.  Team For Edward is a first time participating team that was put together by paddler Joe Noel and sister Therese comprised only of immediate family members paddling in honor of their grandfather, Edward Duenas Cruz, who passed away in 2000 due to prostate cancer.

Joni Serisola, a family member of team For Edward, shared that, “none of us here paddle.  It was [Joe] and [Therese] idea to get the family together to paddle in our grandpa’s honor and those who have suffered or are still suffering from cancer.  Our grandpa used to say to us in Chamorro ‘ti para guahu para hamu’ which means ‘not for me but for all of you’ so we do this in honor of him.”

The races began at 8 a.m. and wrapped up around 4 p.m.  Though the experience from most of the paddlers, whether beginner or veteran, were different through the event it was clear that the only thing anyone was concerned about was the fight against cancer.  The Paddle Against Cancer will be looking forward to expanding its involvement in next years event.

PHOTO GALLERY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

The 76/Circle K flags drop to signal the start of each race. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)

Many supporting companies showed team spirit through colorful tents and canopies. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)

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