FokaiAmphibiousDivisionReport: TheCocosCrossing

Hafa adai. I’m taking this moment to applaud the efforts of those behind the continuance of one of our island’s most noble gestures in water sports tourism and athletic achievement: the International Cocos Crossing, and also to welcome our visitors enthusiastically who have come to reacquaint with paradise and share in this achievement.

As a child before I learned to swim, I used to think that the Cocos Crossing was a near-impossible feat and thought that I’d always only admire it from a distance. I never dreamed that I would ever swim it, and furthermore, I never imagined that I would lose my father in his long-dreamed pursuit of completing such a trying course and hoping to join the thousands of swimmers who have conquered this for-some-but-not-all-great challenge.

In May of 2004, my father drowned in the waters off Tumon in practice for his hoped-for participation in this annual event. In the crossing, he not only recognized the great challenge but more so found peace of mind with focus in preparation for this great achievement. It was a goal he had dreamed of and an opportunity he had recognized to go beyond himself in pursuit not only for the spirit of achievement, but also the spirit of goodwill.

I have learned to recognize that, for some, the swim might be easy, and for some, such a swim might be a lifetime achievement.

Regardless, it deserves the attention that has drawn thousands of visitors and participants in the past and hopefully thousands more that will follow.

Though with the passing of Victor Dela Cruz Sr., my family joins those in sacrifice in the shadows of this event. I, like many others, will be grateful for the light it has offered and continues to offer its participants, its organizers and for the island that the readers of this fine publication embrace proudly as home.

In gratitude, for those who have come, in respect for those that are here, and in confidence for those that will follow: Welcome to Guam, welcome back to Guam and forever, go Guam.

Good luck, good times and hopefully safety for all in the weekend’s waters.

 

Roman Reyes Dela Cruz is a member of the Fokai Amphibious Division and the Guam Watermen’s Club.