Sports community thanks Barnes

Former Northern Marianas Sports Association vice president Kurt Barnes, second left, is seen here with contractors bidding for the resurfacing of the Oleai Sports Complex track and field facility inspecting the oval last year. (Jon Perez)

The CNMI sports community lost one of its stalwarts as Dr. Kurt Barnes returned to California to be with his family.

Barnes left Saipan yesterday after working as official and coach of different sports for more than five decades. He last served as vice president of the Northern Marianas Sports Association and chair of the CNMI Sports Hall of Fame Committee.

“Our vice president has resigned as he will return to California to reunite with his brothers and other family members. We thank Kurt for his service to NMSA and the CNMI sports,” NMSA president Michael White announced during the group’s monthly meeting last week at the conference room of the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

Before leaving Saipan, Barnes worked with NMSA and its executive director Tony Rogolifoi in securing funding for the resurfacing project at the Oleai Sports Complex.

“He will be missed. He helped me with the documents/letters that were submitted to the Northern Marianas Housing Corp. for the resurfacing work at the track,” Rogolifoi said in an interview with Saipan Tribune yesterday.

Northern Marianas Athletics, where Barnes also served as president for several years, also acknowledged his contribution not only to NMA, but to other sports in the Commonwealth.

“Since he came here in the 1960s during his days in the Peace Corps, he has established a lot of sports programs on Saipan,” NMA president Ramon Tebuteb said in a separate interview with Saipan Tribune.

“He used to be my track coach in elementary and junior high and he is the type of coach who will drive you to do your best,” the NMA head added. “For Dr. Kurt, sports does not discriminate. He will teach you and recognize your ability and efforts regardless of your color.”

Saipan Tribune sent a message to Barnes, asking for comments about his departure, but has yet to respond at press time. However, in an earlier interview, he said he is proud to have work with various coaches and officials in developing athletes and helping the CNMI keep up with its rivals in Micronesia. He also mentioned his wish to have people who will keep athletes and teams records so that they will be remembered and honored by future generations.

Barnes, in a bid to gather records of athletes, authored a book entitled Sports Legends of Micronesia, which was published in 2012 and traced back statistics as early as 1960s.