‘Let’s start the ball rolling’

The CNMI should begin forming the organizing committees for Saipan’s hosting of the 2021 Pacific Mini Games, according to Gov. Eloy Inos’ acting press secretary Ivan Blanco.

Northern Marianas Sports Association officials are hoping to arrange a meeting with Inos to discuss plans on how the government could help in Saipan’s hosting of the quadrennial event.

NMSA president Michael A. White, in the group’s monthly meetings last January, had earlier said that although 2021 is still six years away they should start planning for the Mini Games.

Blanco, in an interview by the Saipan Tribune yesterday, said the pre-planning stages should start as soon as possible.

“For now, what NMSA must do is write a letter to the governor to request for a meeting. Nothing yet is set and governor Inos is more than willing to accommodate them,” Blanco said.

“We should start forming the organizing committee. Identify the areas that need immediate attention. The years go by so fast, one moment you’ll be surprised that it is already 2021,” added Blanco.

He said some of Saipan’s sports facilities need improvement and renovation so it would be ready for the competition. “We need to look at the venues that would be used and start improving and renovating them.”

Funding would be one of the major concerns in Saipan’s hosting of the Mini Games.

“We need to identify funding for hosting the Games. The Legislature is willing to do their share and I know the private sector and other businesses are always there to help,” Blanco said.

“Governor Inos is looking forward to meeting NMSA and discussing the Mini Games. They need to set a meeting and schedule it right now. We should start planning for this,” he added.

Blanco said aside from planning the event, CNMI athletes should also begin and train harder in order to compete against the best from the Oceania region.

“We want our athletes to be in top shape and in great competition form. They are the ones who will bring pride to the CNMI by winning medals. We have been behind for quite some time against other island nations,” said Blanco.

The Pacific Games Council awarded the hosting rights to the CNMI during last year’s general assembly meeting in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

The Oleai Sports Complex, which is now under the sole management of NMSA and houses baseball and softball fields, the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium, and the track and field facility, would be the main hub of the Games.

The Marianas High School Gymnasium, TSL Sports Complex, and the Kan Pacific Swimming Pool are the other venues considered to host various competitions.

Athletics, badminton, golf, tennis, canoe racing, volleyball (indoor and beach), baseball, sailing, swimming, triathlon, weightlifting, and wrestling are the 12 sports to be played in the 2021 Mini Games.