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NMI athletes need Oleai track facility for Mini Games training
MARK RABAGO
The Oleai track and field facility will be closed to the public this Friday and Saturday for the 2020-2021 Public School System-McDonald’s All Schools Track and Field Championships. (Mark Rabago)
The Northern Marianas Sports Association and Northern Marianas Athletics are appealing to the public to give way to national athletes who are utilizing the Oleai Sports Complex track and field facility to prepare for the 2022 Pacific Mini Games.
The quadrennial competition will be held on Saipan from June 17 to 25 next year and NMI athletes who will be joining athletics (running, throwing, and jumping) events in the Mini Games will need to catch up with training. The islands’ athletes were unable to use the facility on a regular basis last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and they just started reporting for training session early this year.
“As we prepare for the 2022 Pacific Mini Games, we must ensure that our athletes have enough time and appropriate venues for their training sessions. Let’s support our athletes as they will represent us in next year’s Pacific Mini Games and will put in the necessary work so they can deliver the best possible performance for the CNMI,” NMSA executive director Carline Sablan said.
NMSA and NMA are appealing to rugby and frisbee teams utilizing the field at the track oval to look for alternative venues for their games and practices, temporarily. Joggers and runners may still use the oval, but may only use the outermost lane or Lane 8 of the track during training sessions
Safety measures
NMA reminds track and field facility users not to leave their children unattended for everyone’s safety.
Strollers, bikes, hoverboards, skateboards, and pets are prohibited at the track as they will damage the rubberized surface of the facility and may also cause accidents. Additionally, hydration bottles, containers, and trash must be properly disposed in trash receptacles.
Closed to public this weekend
The Oleai track and field facility will be closed to the public this Friday and Saturday for the 2020-2021 Public School System-McDonald’s All Schools Track and Field Championships.
“NMSA calls for the public’s understanding and cooperation, as we provide CNMI students the opportunity to showcase their athletics skills, practice teamwork, and represent their schools,” Sablan said. (PR)
