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NMSA set to release Pacific Games reimbursement
The Northern Marianas Sports Association has approved the reimbursement of the expenses incurred by members of the CNMI delegation in this year’s XV Pacific Games in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.
White
The money came from NMSA funds through its instant scratchies lottery program that started early this year.
“The scratchies project is going strong and it allows us to fund other NMSA programs like our participation in the last Pacific Games,” said White during the CNMI sports governing body’s monthly meeting last Thursday at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium conference room.
Federations that sent athletes and coaches shouldered the cost of airfare going to the quadrennial meet in Papua New Guinea and will be getting $750 as reimbursement.
The CNMI sent a 35-strong delegation of athletes and coaches in athletics, beach volleyball, bodybuilding, golf, sailing, swimming, triathlon, and va’a
NMSA made advanced payments for golf ($3,100) and va’a ($5,100) with the seven-member paddling team getting $150 more after their total amount for $750 each is $5,250. The four-man golf team, meanwhile, owes NMSA $100 with $750 each for $3,000.
The check will be ready either this week or next week.
White also announced during the meeting that the Oceania National Olympic Committee gave the 17 member nations and seven associate member island states $10,000 each as assistance.
The money was ONOC’s assistance for participating in the Pacific Games and will go directly to the NMSA fund, which the Commonwealth’s sports body could use in its various programs.
White also said each federations should strengthen their respective development programs after Team CNMI’s performance in the Pacific Games.
“Except for Victoria Chentsova’s performance in swimming, where she had a couple of fourth place finishes and almost won a medal, others were at the bottom. So, that gives us an idea of what to do in order to improve next time,” added White.
Participation medals were also handed out during the Pacific Games and White said this will be given to members of the CNMI delegation at next year’s annual sports banquet.
