Good news for spectators

Micronesian Games executive committee chair Juan L. Babauta yesterday reported positive news regarding funds needed for the construction of grandstands at the softball and baseball fields at the Oleai Sports Complex.

In his report during yesterday’s executive committee meeting, Babauta disclosed that House Bill 14-378 was passed by the Legislature and is currently being reviewed by the governor’s legal counsel.

“His legal counsel is reviewing it and once done, it will be on its way to the governor” Babauta said. “[Governor] is just waiting for it and he fully supports it.”

Babauta explained that the news of the passage of the bill during last week’s House session was good news for all as it appropriates $500,000 for the construction of the grandstands at the Miguel Basa Softball Field and the Francisco M. Palacios Baseball Field, which will serve as the main venues for softball and baseball games during next summer’s Games.

The House aimed to tap $550,000 from Managaha Landing fees to construct the grandstands. About $300,000 will be used for the Palacios field and the remaining $200,000 for the softball field.

Meanwhile, Babauta also disclosed that officials from Palau and the Commonwealth are currently discussing the possibility of the CNMI using the portable showers used in Palau during this past summer’s South Pacific Mini Games.

He explained that Rep. Ray Tebuteb has already received confirmation from Palau South Pacific Mini Games chair Dr. Patrick Tellei that the shower containers, which fit about three sinks and six to seven shower units, will be given to the CNMI as Palau’s way of lending a helping hand in terms of accommodations for the 1,500 to 1,700 athletes, coaches, and officials expected for next year’s quadrennial event.

“There’ll be no fee,” Babauta said. “Rep. Ray Tebuteb is communicating with them, and they will not charge. The only thing we need to take care of is the shipping of the containers.”

Babauta did not disclose the number of containers that will be given to the CNMI, but stated that the executive committee will seek support from Saipan Shipping Co. to assist with shipping the containers.

“We’re making progress,” Babauta said. “The committees are so excited in getting this thing rolling and we have a lot to do, but I’m confident we’ll accomplish these things and put on a successful event.”

During an interview, Babauta said the executive committee will continue to work on getting more funds for the Games.

Babauta reiterated that the $2.9 million loan offer from the Commonwealth Development Authority is a critical issue.

“That is ready to be released and one our next task is to prepare a repayment plan so that I may present it to the governor and the legislature,” he said.

Babauta reiterated his confidence that the CNMI will be ready to host Games, which will be held on Saipan from June 23 to July 7. The NMI first hosted the regional sports event in 1969 and later in 1990.

Authorities earlier said that the CNMI needs some $5.8 million to renovate existing facilities and construct new sports facilities to prepare for the Games.