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Swimmers react to Micro mishap
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Posted on Feb 14 2006
After the CNMI opted out of hosting the 2006 Micronesian Games on Friday, reactions from local athletic associations continue to share a common theme of disappointment in both the government and the overall situation.
Many understand that the lack of government funding combined with poor planning by the Executive Committee assigned to organize local efforts forced Gov. Benigno R. Fitial’s hand.
Some have taken to finger pointing, others have shared thoughts about what might have been, and more thought about the diminished chance that the CNMI will have at hosting the Micronesian Games and greater events in the future.
According to Saipan Swim Club head coach Michael Stewart, his award-winning athletes that returned from the 2005 South Pacific Mini Games in Palau with high praise will lose a valuable opportunity at facing the region in the home tank.
“It is obvious that the kids are greatly disappointed of the news on Saturday. This competition was an opportunity for some of our younger kids to gain some international experience. We sent a very young team to Palau last season, and watched a number of our young athletes grow up tremendously. The Micro Games could have elevated another group of kids to great things,” he said.
When the decision came down that Saipan would no longer welcome the region to compete, local athletes were able to take solace that their training has not been in vain, but with word coming from the Micronesian Games Council that the 2006 event may be scrapped altogether, ramifications are far more reaching.
“Now with the [supposed] cancellation of the Games entirely, we [Saipan] have let down over 1,500 athletes from Micronesia that have trained, fund raised, and had great hopes of coming to Saipan to show their wares…the finger should be pointing at all of us,” said Stewart.
