Mike White: We are about where we want to be at this point

Several months ago, members of the sports community were busy making their push to have the CNMI host the 6th Micronesian Games.

Fast forward to the present and with the Games less than a month away, the Micronesian Games Organizing Committee, as well as many community groups, businesses, and sports teams are putting on the final touches to what is expected to be 10 days of history in the making.

In an email, MGOC chair and Northern Mariana Islands Amateur Sports Association president Michael White explained that so far, things are going on as planned.

“Everything is going well,” White said. “I won’t be comfortable until everything is done and we are 100-percent ready, but we are about where we want to be at this point.”

White said that, so far, the various committees in the MGOC have been working around the clock in accomplishing their goals to ensure a positive experience from all who will be taking part or witnessing the events.

“Everything that needs to be done is getting done,” he said. “All of the committees are doing an outstanding job.”

While many projects are on their final phases, such as the painting of the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium, the replacing of lights at the various sports venues, and the construction of the grandstands at the Francisco M. Palacios Baseball Field and Miguel B. Pangelinan Softball Field, White also disclosed that the MGOC has decided to relocate several sporting events.

White said basketball will be played at the Marianas High School Gymnasium, indoor volleyball will be at the Ada Gym, and wrestling and table tennis will be played at the Northern Marianas College Gymnasium.

Meanwhile, White also expressed appreciation to all the support pouring in from the community.

“On behalf not only of the organizing committee, but also of NMASA, I want to express our sincere gratitude for the generous outpouring of support from local businesses, individuals, and community groups. It’s obvious that the 2006 Micronesian Games has a tremendous amount of support in our community,” he said.

“We knew from the start that we were going to need a great deal from our community in order to host the Games—not only financially, but in terms of time and hard work. The CNMI has come through with flying colors,” White added.

As reported earlier, the Oleai Sports Complex track and field oval will be used for athletics, baseball will be played at the Palacios field, Hyatt Regency Saipan and Fiesta Resort and Spa will host the beach volleyball action, outrigger canoeing will be held at the waters off Kilili Beach, golf will be at the Laolao Bay Golf Resort and Coral Ocean Point Golf Resort, Micronesian All Around will be at the Tanapag Beach, softball will be at the Tan Ge and Dan Dan softball fields, swimming will be at the Kan Pacific Swimming Pool, tennis will be at the Pacific Islands Club and Coral Ocean Point, and triathlon will begin at Pau Pau Beach.

Underwater spearfishing will also be featured during the Games and will be held on June 26 and 27 from Naftan Point to Agingan Point.