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‘Give way to CNMI national team’
The Oleai Sports Complex’s track and field facility will open on Monday and Northern Marianas Athletics is asking the public to give way to the CNMI national team and training pool preparing for two regional tournaments this year. (Jon Perez)
Northern Marianas Athletics official Eli Rangamar reminded the community that the Oleai track is first a training facility for the CNMI national team.
That’s why the NMA developmental officer is asking the public to give way to athletes and members of the national pool using the track and field facility, especially at this time when they are busy preparing for two regional competitions.
Rangamar made the appeal as the track is set to partially open to the public this Monday, March 19. Usage fees ($1 and $2 for kids and adults) will be imposed.
“The people need to understand that this is first a national training facility. It was built to support the CNMI national athletics program that’s why if they see the athletes training, respect their space,” Rangamar told Saipan Tribune.
He said that Lanes 1 to 6 are reserved for athletes training, while Nos. 7 and 8 are for joggers, walkers, and others who have their own physical activity. The track will be open from 8am to 7pm, while national athletes start their afternoon training at 4pm.
CNMI athletes are using the track in preparation for the 2018 Oceania Micronesian Regional Championships set from June 14 to 16 at the Oleai Sports Complex and the 9th Micronesian Games in Yap from July 15 to 27.
Rangamar also reminded the parents or those who will be bringing kids at the track to keep an eye on their children, especially when the national athletics team is training to avoid any accidents or injuries.
“They should keep their kids in check to avoid any injuries or accidents. You can’t just stop in an instant if you already have momentum. A collision could happen if a kid crosses their path,” Rangamar added.
Rangamar added that the field can’t be used yet since they are still waiting for the grass to grow, while the chain link fence will be replaced using the money provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The NMA will be the caretaker of the track and field facility based on its initial agreement with the Northern Marianas Sports Association. The NMA and NMSA will be signing a memorandum of understanding this week to make the former’s designation official.
