Canoe and softball not set for Palau Mini Games

All but two sports are set for the upcoming 2005 South Pacific Mini Games, as the other eight sports have already come up with 50 percent of the total amount required by the Northern Marianas Amateur Sports Association.

This according to NMASA president Mike White, who said during Thursday’s monthly meeting that baseball, table tennis, athletics, tennis, triathlon, wrestling, volleyball, and swimming have already complied with the requirement.

NMASA had early instructed all teams that they must submit $800 per team member, or 50 percent of the entire cost to send the athlete to Palau. The other 50 percent is expected to be covered by an appropriation by the government, which has committed $100,000.

White said baseball has already submitted 52 percent, swimming 75 percent, table tennis more than 50 percent, triathlon 60 percent, and tennis, beach volleyball, and wrestling 100 percent.

He said athletics is “pretty close” to being complete.

White said everyone submitting more than 50 percent of what is needed will be reimbursed as soon as the fund from the government is given to NMASA.

“Every one over 50 percent… you don’t need to pay anymore but be prepared just in case we don’t get the government money,” he said during the meeting. “If we get the government money, you’re going to get a refund. If we don’t get the government money, the people who haven’t paid 100 percent are going to have to come up with more money.

“Keep our fingers crossed. I got some promises that I think I can rely on, but until I get the check…we don’t have the money until we have the money,” he told the delegates.

Meanwhile, only canoe and softball have yet to meet the requirement. Canoe has yet to submit any form of payment while softball, which will field two teams—one male and one female—has submitted 27 percent. White said softball is short by about $7,200.

Canoe needs $6,000 to meet the 50 percent requirement.

NMASA also indicated that its general fund is currently at $89,344.97, $41,846 of which will be used for the upcoming Games.

“As long as Continental [airlines] doesn’t ask us for the money, I guess we’re okay with you guys [softball and canoe], but by end of the month, I know we’re going to have to buy the tickets,” White said.