Athletics group thanks supporters

As a show of its gratitude, Northern Marianas Athletics will be handing plaques of appreciation to six companies that supported their projects and events last year.

NMA officials—led by president Kurt Barnes, vice president Lou Wabol, secretary general Robin Sapong, and developmental officer Elias Rangamar—thanked McDonald’s, Shell Marianas, SaipanCell Communications, DFS Galleria Saipan, Coca-Cola/Powerade, and the Pacific Islands Club for their support during the NMA Annual Awards Banquet at the Minachom Atdao Pavilion last Wednesday.

McDonald’s has sponsored the CNMI All Schools Track and Field Championships in the past three years, while Shell donated money that NMA used to buy uniforms for its athletes.

Coca-Cola/Powerade, DFS Galleria, and SaipanCell donated prizes for NMA-organized events. Coca-Cola/Powerade also donated refreshments for NMA-sanctioned tournaments.

PIC, meanwhile, donated the electronic timer the NMA has been using in various races, such as the All Schools meet, Saipan marathon, and half marathon.

NMA secretary general Robin Sapong said they are thankful for all the support given to them by the companies despite the bad economy. “In these trying times, it’s good to know that there are still companies which are willing to extend a helping hand to our sport association and to our athletes.

“On behalf of the NMA board and the NMI athletes, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our sponsors,” he added.

Aside from the private sponsors, NMA also recognized during the banquet last year’s top athletes.

Named top performers in their respective age groups were Gabrielle Race, Jordan Manglona, Angelo Jones, Ashley Babauta, Reylynn Sapong, Lia Rangamar, J.R. Concepcion, Nate Mateo, Jacque Wonenberg, Tyrone Omar, Yvonne Bennett, and Mamiko Oshima.

Top athletes received trophies, while nominees in various age groups received certificates of recognition.

The other nominees were Taylor Knecht, Michael Grandinetti Emily Jones, Jordan Butcher, Danny Auther, Kenyon Schultz, Crosby Schultz, Brandon Philips, David Ramon, Michael Mancao, Ryan Baron, Rachel Abraham, Jellian Majors, Madison Schultz, Chiang Duenas, Champ Untalan , Matt Mancao, Jesus Iguel, Dexter Dillay, Noriko Jim, Nick Gross, Mieko Carey, and Maimi Shimizu.