‘An event that we can be proud of’

Marianas Visitors Authority chairman Jerry Tan assured the organizing committee of the 2008 Asia-Pacific Junior, Senior, and Big League Regional Tournament that the upcoming event would be something the CNMI can be proud of.

Tan, who attended last Friday’s meeting at the Gilbert C. Ada Gym conference room, said that MVA would do their best to provide assistance to the local organizing committee.

Tan, who is also the president of Tan Holdings Corp. that operates the Saipan Grand Hotel and Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan, said in the meeting that they would make sure the delegates would leave with a smile on their faces and would remember their brief stay on Saipan.

He said the Asia-Pacific Regional Tournament is Saipan’s chance to put its best foot forward as it plays host to off-island teams from Guam, Hong Kong, Indonesia, the Philippines, and possibly India.

“We want to do our best to provide them the things they need to have a memorable stay on Saipan,” said Tan, who added this is one area of sports tourism being promoted by MVA.

Tan said he loves sports and that’s why he is supporting the tournament as a member of the business community and as MVA’s chairman. “I will also do my best to get support from the local business sector. This is good for the CNMI. It is not that often that we get to host this kind of event.”

Saipan Grand Hotel general manager Ed Cho said he would make sure they would accommodate the delegates’ special requests. “[SGH] will provide the best facilities to them and we will make sure they won’t encounter any negative experience during their stay.”

He added Grand Hotel in the past has hosted high school baseball teams from Japan and the professional Korean baseball squad LG Twins. “Basically we have an idea how to handle a big number delegation.”

Cho also suggested to the local organizing committee that they should put up an information booth at the hotels where the guests would be staying for additional assistance before, during, and after the tournament.

Asia-Pacific Regional Tournament director Mike Borja said they had already informed Gov. Benigno R. Fitial about Saipan’s hosting and he wanted the event to be big.

The local organizing committee has also invited Rep. Ray Tebuteb to join them in tomorrow’s meeting to seek ways on how the legislature and the government can assist them without spending too much.

Aside from Tan, Cho, and Borja, others that attended the meeting are CNMI district administrator and international board member James Ada, and committee members Joe Salas, Joey Dela Cruz, Cathy Salas, and Annie Flores.

An expected 104 official delegates from the four participating countries that includes the players, managers, coaches, officials, and umpires will be joining in the weeklong tournament slated from June 26 to July 4.

Hong Kong and Indonesia are expected to send two teams, while Guam, the Philippines, and host CNMI will be competing in all three divisions. India may also compete and has asked to extend the deadline of the submission of requirements on April 15.

The Asia-Pacific Regional Tournament is a qualifying tournament for all three divisions-Junior, Senior, and Big League. Saipan last hosted the regional tournament in 2001.

The World Series for the Junior League (13-14) will be held in Taylor, Michigan while Bangor, Maine will host the Senior League (15-16). The Big League World Series (17-18) will be held on Easley, South Carolina.