SPORTS BRIEFS

Isla Triathlon calls to Saipan

The Guam Isla Tri will be held on March 11 beginning at the Merizo Pier on Guam.

The triathlon will consist of a 1.5-kilometer swim course, a 40-km bike course, and a 10-km run course around Merizo village, towards Inarajan, and onto the finish.

The cost to participate in the race is $75, which includes pre and post race dinner, T-shirt, swim cap, race bag, and USA Triathlon one-day license of $9 per person.

Guam Isla Tri offers teams the chance to compete in the race. The team rate of $210 is good through Saturday, March 4, but late fees increase the cost of the individual and team registration to $100 and $300, respectively.

For more information about the Guam Isla Tri, visit the event website at eteamz.active.com/2004islatriathlon/.

NMJGL Spring Session tees off on March 20

The Northern Marianas Junior League, Inc. will start the second part of the Spring Session of instructions on March 20.

The league’s Spring Session will be from 4pm to 6 pm at the Laolao Bay Golf Resort Driving Range. The Spring Session will be for nine weeks and will end on May 19.

The NMJGL will accept applications between March 6-10 between 4pm and 6pm at the Laolao Bay Golf Resort Driving Range for boys and girls between 6-17 years of age.

The NMJGL was established in 1997 with the help of DFS, Marianas Investment, Inc., Verizon, Saipan Rotary Club, Pacific Trading Co., Laolao Bay Golf Resort and many other corporate and individual sponsors.

The NMJGL offers a limited space for the Spring Session. You may register in advance by calling the Law Offices of Edward Manibusan at 235-6520 for more information.

The league is also accepting monetary donations. If you are also able to donate or become a corporate sponsor, please call 235-6520 or Marian Aldan-Pierce at 236-2500.

Jam Attack returns on March 24

Northern Marianas Islands Volleyball Association is moving from the sand to the hard courts by focusing on the development of local indoor talent by hosting the 16th Annual Jam Attack from March 24 to 26 at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

The registration fee for the Jam Attack, which will feature competition both in the men’s and women’s division, is $125 per team, and the deadline to enter is March 22.

For more information about the 16th Annual Jam Attack, contact NMIVA vice president Taula Peter by calling 322-9263 or via email at taulap@gmail.com or NMIVA president Jon Cramer by calling 235-6231 ext. 5147/8 or via email at jon@picsaipan.com.

Off-road rumble returns to Marpi on March 26

Northern Mariana Islands Triathlon Federation is holding an off-road race as a tune up for the 2006 XTERRA Saipan Championships and 17th Tagaman Triathlon.

The Off-Road Adventure XTERRA Type Extreme Race Event IV (ORAXTERE) will offer swimmers, bikers, and runners the challenge at all three sports this on March 26 at the Northern end of Saipan, in a little more than half the distance of the XTERRA.

The race with the oft changing name evolved once again this year as the federation puts a slight twist to the title by naming the challenge the Ely Wong—ORAXTERE or EWORAXTERE, and donating all proceeds from the race to the Wongs in order to help them with their medical expenses.

Pre-registration is encouraged at sueknecht1@yahoo.com or at Saipan Bike Pro, but race day registration will take place at 6:15am along Pau Pau Beach until 6:35am, with a pre-race briefing at 6:45am just before the participants begin the swim portion at 7am.

The cost to participate in the full race is $5 for NMITF members, $10 for non-members, and $15 for teams. Those opting to simply enjoy the rush of competition on the mountain bike course need pay only a fee of $5.

9-ball and 8-ball tournaments at Top Pool Bar

Top Pool Bar is inviting billiards players of all shapes and sizes to its 9-ball tournament every Saturday and 8-ball tournament every Friday.

Saturday’s games start at 8pm with the two hours prior to the competition reserved for practice (two tables). Entry fee is $10 with the winner taking hope $100, runner-up $50, and third place free entry in the following week’s contest.

Top Pool Bar’s 8-ball tournament every Friday also begins at 8pm. The hour before the games are reserved for practice (two tables).

There is no entry fee and the winner walks away with $50, second place an hour-long free practice, and third place gets 30 minutes of free practice.

The 9-ball competition uses a single elimination format, while the 8-ball tourney is a double-elimination affair.

For more information about the 9-ball and 8-ball competitions at Top Pool Bar, call Zheng Jian Qing at 233-6999 or 287-7676.