All set for HANMI Cup opening

Sunday’s opening for the 2006 HANMI Cup-Inter-Hotel Basketball League will include the usual parade of teams, best muse and best in uniform competitions, pledge of sportsmanship as well as the unexpected—magicians, acapella entertainment, and performers in superhero outfits.

This was promised yesterday by HANMI Cup commissioner Ramon Awit following the last organizational meeting for the competition held at the Saipan World Resort Redbox.

He said Northern Marianas Bartenders Association has invited a number of performers for the opening ceremony.

Among those confirmed are Aqua Resort Club’s famed Trio band, a magician, and a still-undisclosed dance group, which will surely fire up the crowd, assured Awit.

The HANMI Cup commissioner also extended invitations to Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands chairwoman Lynn Knight, Philippine Consul General Wilfredo Maximo, and Marianas Visitors Authority managing director Perry Tenorio to attend the event.

Awit also extended his thanks to the MDX Amateur Radio Club, led by its president Boy Ching, for agreeing to help with manpower needs not only during opening day but through the course of the season as well.

The final organizational meeting for the league also saw all participating teams for the 2006-2007 season—Aqua Resort Club, Fiesta Resort and Spa, Hafadai Beach Hotel, Hyatt Regency Saipan, Marianas Resort and Spa, Pacific Islands Club, Saipan Grand Hotel, Saipan Nikko Hotel, and Saipan World Resort—settle their entry fees and submit their final rosters to Awit.

The Inaugural HANMI Cup-Inter Hotel Basketball League will start on Sunday, Nov. 26, at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium. Organizers will have a draw to determine which of the participating teams will see action in the lone game on opening day set to tip off at 3pm.

After the game, a barbecue potluck party will be held at the Minatchom Atdao Pavillion across the Oleai Sports Complex.

The Inaugural HANMI Cup, organized by the NMBA endorsement from HANMI, is expected to last three months with the champion crowned by early next year.

For more information, the revived HANMI Cup-Inter-Hotel Basketball League, contact coordinator Mark Rabago at 235-2440 local 134 or email him at makyo73yahoo.com or mark_rabago@saipantribune.com.