29 Jul Famagu’on Yiyupåktu 2025: Uniting the Mariana Islands Through Slinging, Culture, and Community
In the wake of a historic year for Chamorro slinging—marked by world champion Luis Ponz’s visit to Guam, international championships, and a resurgence in ancestral warrior arts—our islands now prepare for the next leap forward: Famagu’on Yiyupåktu 2025.
Set for July 12–30, 2025, Famagu’on Yiyupåktu is an assembly of young slingers from Guåhan, Luta, Saipan, and Tinian. This 10-day immersive gathering isn’t just a camp—it’s a cultural, athletic, and spiritual revival. A movement. A homecoming. A call to arms—of slings.
Why It Matters
For thousands of years, our ancestors trained with the åcho’ atupat—not just as warriors, but as protectors, hunters, builders, and defenders of the land. In 2025, we return to those roots, teaching our youth not just how to sling, but why it matters. The goal: to embed slinging fundamentals that go far beyond technique—focusing on identity, responsibility, and unity.
Led by ACHO Marianas and TheEffect, the workshop includes:
- Ethical and responsible slinging practices
- Team-building exercises to build unity and discipline
- A tribute to the victims of Fåha
- A cultural project to place a sling in the hand of Magalåhi Kepuha’s monument, honoring his legacy and reinforcing our responsibility to remember and rise
From Village to Vanguard
Throughout the 10-day gathering, participants will:
- Train with elite coaches and elder slingers from the Marianas
- Compete in the Liberation Cup Slinging Tournament
- Visit pre-Spanish ancestral grounds and artifact collections across the island
- Learn storytelling, crafting, and cultural expression tied to the slingstone
And for our off-island youth from Luta, Sa’ipan, and Tinian, lodging will be provided at TheEffect, a powerful symbol of community hospitality and solidarity.
Launching a Movement, Documenting a Legacy
Famagu’on Yiyupåktu is not only a unifier of islands—but also the launch pad for the Slinging World Tour. Footage and stories from the event will be documented and presented internationally at the Copa del Mundo – Slinging World Cup 2025 in Ibiza.
As we share our unique blend of strength, story, and spirit with the world, we invite our people to rally behind this incredible movement. Let us stand for more than sport—let us sling for culture, unity, and the honor of our ancestors.
Call to Action
We are seeking support from our community for:
- Transportation for off-island participants
- Uniforms and slings
- Meals and equipment for all slingers
This is our moment. This is the movement. Famagu’on Yiyupåktu is how we push Chamorro and Marianas culture forward—together.
Let’s sling for her honor. Let’s sling for our children. Let’s sling for the Marianas.