GVB to host first-ever Guam beach flags race at 37th GMIF

The Guam Visitors Bureau announced that it would be hosting Guam’s first-ever Beach Flags Exhibition Race on June 8 during the 37th annual Guam Micronesia Island Fair at the Governor Joseph Flores Memorial Park, Ypao Beach in Tumon.

Beach flags is a sport where competitors lie down in the sand away from flags placed opposite of them. When given a signal, competitors race towards the flags and attempt to secure one; those who don’t are eliminated. The race repeats until there is only one competitor left, becoming the winner. 

According to GVB president and CEO Régine Biscoe Lee in a letter to the bureau’s hotel members, the sport is designed to “enhance quick decision-making, speed, and ocean awareness – skills that are essential for lifesaving and water safety.”  

Lee said the event aims to spark public interest in the sport and gain momentum for a coming full-scale competition in November.  

GVB has brought 2024 Beach Flags World Champion, Shogo Horie, to lead demonstrations which are scheduled during the first day of GMIF at 1 p.m. on June 7.  

GMIF is one of GVB’s signature events that showcases culture and island heritage through dance, cuisine, and the arts.  

According to chairman of the Tourism Recovery Committee and CEO of Baldyga Group, Mark S. Baldyga’s report to GVB’s membership at its May 15 meeting, Guam needs to market itself on three unique selling points “beyond white beaches and coconut trees.” 

The points are the CHamoru culture, experiences, and Guam being “America in Asia”.  

Furthermore, GMIF is part of the tourism recovery’s initiative to host one signature event each quarter. mbj