ROP 24, Micronesian Cup canceled

Marianas Pacific Paddlers members race in the 1,000m event of last year’s Micronesian Cup in Guam. (Contributed Photo)

This weekend’s Rites of Passage 24: Ragin’ Rumble and the 20th Micronesian Cup have been called off due to Typhoon Yutu.

“I met with my events coordination and logistics team this morning and got a consensus on what we should do about the event this Friday. Due to the potential threat and uncertainty and strength of Yutu, we have decided to cancel and reschedule the show to a later date,” said Cuki Alvarez of Trench Tech, the promoter of ROP 24.

Alvarez added that several fighters from Guam will not be able to make it to Saipan with the looming threat of Typhoon Yutu.

“I just received a message from Arctic Circle Air that they are canceling all flights this Thursday and majority of our off-island fighters are flying out on Arctic. Thank you for your untiring support, they are very much and always appreciated,” said Alvarez, who will still meet with his team and sponsors to decide the new date of ROP 24.

“Trench Tech MMA Promotion will be advising all fight fans of the new date and rescheduled time for ROP 24, which will most likely take place in late November to early or mid December,” he added.

Meanwhile, there are also off-island athletes scheduled to participate in the Micro Cup, so the organizing Northern Marianas National Paddle Sports Federation was forced to cancel the races originally set to run from Friday to Sunday at the Kilili Beach.

“On behalf of the Northern Marianas National Paddle Sport Federation, I regretfully inform you all that the Micronesia Cup has been canceled due to Typhoon Yutu making its way to the CNMI. Once the storm has passed, the federation will meet to discuss a possible reschedule or refund of paid race fees if the event isn’t rescheduled,” NMNPSF president Justine Andrew said.

Ironman Saipan still a go
The Marianas Visitors Authority, in a statement sent to Saipan Tribune yesterday afternoon, said that Ironman 70.3 Saipan is still on.

“As of this time, Ironman 70.3 Saipan is still on schedule and a final decision will be made on the day of the event. Due to the government shutdown, we are working to finalize preparations today [yesterday]. We are also reaching out to our government partners for any anticipated extra road cleanup along the race route before Saturday morning,” MVA managing director Chris Concepcion said.

GCA vs Agape finale suspended
The title match between Grace Christian Academy 1 and Agape Christian School 1 in the middle school division of the 2018-2019 Commonwealth Coalition of Private Schools Association Volleyball League was called off.

The winner-take-all championship match was scheduled yesterday afternoon at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium, but the facility was closed late in the morning after Gov. Ralph DLG Torres issued Typhoon Condition 2 on Saipan and Tinian.

Organizers of the league have yet to announce the new date for the finals showdown between the defending champions Eagles and first time finalists Torchbearers.