4 CNMI athletes in 2013 University Games

Northern Marianas Amateur Sports Association president Michael White announced that four CNMI athletes could get a free entry to the 2013 World University Summer Games in Kazan, Russia.

White said during the NMASA meeting last week at the conference room of the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium that besides the two slots (free airfare and accommodations for two athletes) FISU (Federation Internationale du Sport Universitaire or International University Sports Federation) is giving to the CNMI, the Oceania University Sports Association can shoulder the trip of two more athletes from the Commonwealth to Kazan. The CNMI is a member of both FISU and OUSA thus could receive financial assistance for athletes competing in the FISU-sanctioned events.

The NMASA president, who attended an OUSA meeting in Brisbane, Australia last month, added that the CNMI could expect around $5,000 financial assistance for the Kazan trip.

The 2013 University Games will from July 6 to 17 and is for athletes in the 18 to 27 age group and are enrolled in a college or university.

“At this early, we would like to ask our local sports federation to get ready for the University Games and identify athletes eligible to compete. Rezne Wong and Matthew Mancao had a great experience in Shenzen, China last August and I hope more CNMI athletes will have an opportunity to compete and participate in this great event,” White said.

The CNMI can send as many athletes to Kazan, but only four could get financial aids and the rest will have to shoulder the cost. NMASA will have to sit down to the concerned local sports association and discuss money matters if the latter decides to send their athletes to the World University Gams.

Wong, a student of University of Hawaii-Manoa, joined the swimming competition in Shenzen, while University of Guam’s Mancao competed in the bike race this year.

Meanwhile, the FISU Inspection Team had completed its visit to the venues for the 2013 University Games last week. The group led by FISU Director for the Summer Universiade Marc Vandenplas inspected the newly built Universiade Village, Rowing Centre, Saint Petersburg Volleyball Centre, Ak Bars Wrestling Palace, Vatan and Olimp Multifuncional Sports Complexes, Akcharlak and Burevestnik Swimming Pools, Field Hockey Centre, and Shooting Complex and the under construction under International Media Centre, Aquatics Palace, and the 45,000-seat football stadium.

The team will again go to Kazan next month to hold an educational workshop individuals and groups involved in preparation and staging of the biennial event.