‘Non-sports events additional income for NMSA’

Northern Marianas Sports Association executive director Tony Rogolifoi said they would be looking into the possibility of allowing non-sports events to be held at the Oleai Sports Complex if it would give the CNMI sports governing body additional revenue to support their daily operations.

Equipment and the steel fence and railing inside the Oleai track and field facility also need repairs. The Northern Marianas Sports Association will be closing the track oval once they start with the renovation and other improvement. (Jon Perez)

Rogolifoi told Saipan Tribune that the plan would depend on what kind of events the organizers have planned to hold in an open area like the sports complex.

“If it would be an additional source of income for NMSA, why not? But it all depends on the proposal that will be submitted by event organizers. We’ll take a look at their proposal and study it,” said Rogolifoi.

Open-air concerts and outdoor theater plays, musicals, or movies could be held at the Oleai Sports Complex’s football field.

“NMSA is a non-profit organization by law but we are also mandated to collect reasonable fees for the use of the facilities. That’s why we opened the sports complex to everybody who wants to use for an event, mostly sports tournaments,” said Rogolifoi.

However, the sports facilities inside the complex were damaged by several typhoons most especially Soudelor, which almost leveled Saipan on Aug. 2.

“Right now we could not accommodate requests for the use of the facilities. We have been receiving a lot of inquiries but what can we do? A lot of things need to be repaired,” said Rogolifoi.

“Good thing we’re going to get aid from [the Federal Emergency Management Administration] and the money will go through the Governor’s Office. The fees that we collect from those groups who use the facilities go to our daily operations and maintenance,” he added.

Repairs at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium, the offices, the track and field stadium, the Francisco M. “Tan Ko” Palacios Baseball Field, and the Miguel “Tan Ge” Pangelinan softball field are expected to start as soon as the Governor’s Office releases FEMA’s assistance.

The Oleai track is also due for resurfacing after wear and tear caused bubbles to form and black patches to show in the decade-old facility.

Rogolifoi said that they would impose stricter rules once the old rubber surface gets replaced next year.

“Right now a lot of people are still using the track, either they jog, run, or just walk around it. But we asked them to be careful since more bubbles formed after several typhoons. They might trip on this bubbles,” he said.

“We will close the track oval once resurfacing begins. Right now we could not prevent them from using the track that’s why we’re planning to put up more and bigger signs to warn people. They should always exercise caution when using the track,” he added.

He also asked people not to ride their bicycles, scooters, and skateboards on the track. NMSA will no longer allow these things once the new surface is in place.

“I even saw one time somebody walking while pushing a stroller. But once the new track surface is placed we will be strict in implementing the rules,” said Rogolifoi.

Football games are also held at the Oleai field and Rogolifoi also reminded players, once the new rubber surface is in place, not to wear their cleats when they step or walk on the track.

“We want to protect the condition of the field in preparation for the 2021 Pacific Mini Games and so we could also use it for a longer time.”