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5. Soudelor crushes sports facilities
The batting cage at the Francisco “Tan Ko” Palacios Baseball Field crumpled after being hit by Typhoon Soudelor last Aug. 2. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)
Sports facilities on Saipan were not spared by Typhoon Soudelor’s wrath, forcing the suspension and cancellation of local tournaments.
The Oleai Sports Complex, which houses the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium, the track and field facility, the Francisco “Tan Ko” Palacios Baseball Field, and Miguel “Tan Ge” Basa Pangelinan Softball Field, sustained major damage and was without power for months. Until now, the baseball and softball fields have yet to host tournaments, while only the scrimmage area allowed at the Ada Gym and the public using the track and field facility and the football pitch are advised to take extra caution.
Repair work for these facilities are expected to start next year as the Northern Marianas Sports Association, which is the caretaker of the Oleai complex, awaits the release of funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Besides the sports complex, the Marianas High School Gymnasium, Northern Marianas College Gymnasium, the American Memorial Park tennis courts, Kan Pacific Swimming Pool, and some basketball courts on island were also hit by Soudelor.
