PIC extends support to athletics

The Pacific Islands Club took big steps toward extending assistance to the youth after donating a new electronic clock and height markers for high jump to Northern Marianas Athletics yesterday evening.

PIC general manager Keiran Daly was on hand during the unveiling of the new equipment at the Oleai Sports Complex track and field facility and he explained to athletes the main reason for PIC’s contributions.

“I think the most two important things for youth are No. 1 education and No. 2 physical fitness,” Daly told about 20 athletes, majority of whom will be competing in athletics in the upcoming 6th Micronesian Games. “I wish them the best for the Micro Games and good luck with it.”

The clock has various features including providing times of the running events, distance of throws and jumps and the number of attempts by each athlete. The audience will be able to identify the athlete with the displayed performance, as the clock will also display the athletes bib number.

After receiving applause from the grateful athletes and officials, Daly explained to the media that the contribution was primarily for the youth.

“It’s to give the youth the opportunity to be healthy…and that’s good for the future,” he said as he also explained that he was involved in athletics during his youth and it kept him out of trouble.

Daly also disclosed that the PIC had recently contributed funds to the Saipan Swim Club and that the money was used to purchase medicine balls, fins, and other equipment targeted for children in the 15-and-under age group.

“We’re targeting the youth because the youth is our future and we at PIC are looking at the long term, not short term. When you have long-term goals, you’ll get long-term results and if you focus on short term, you’ll get short-term results,” he said.

NMA president Dr. Kurt Barnes also expressed his appreciation to Daly and PIC.

“We’re really grateful that businesses like the PIC can work with youth associations such as NMA,” Barnes said. “It only enhances programs for the youth and you’ll just see the athletes get better and better.”

Barnes said he agrees with Daly’s comments on two important elements in shaping a positive future for the youth.

“I really agree with Keiran that the two most important aspects are education and health and wellness,” he said.

While the contribution is targeted for development of the youth, it couldn’t have come at a better time, as Saipan will host the Micro Games next month.

The Micro Games will be held from June 23 to July 2 with over 1,400 athletes and officials from around the region competing or taking part.