NMIFA donates equipment to PSS

Parents concerned about their children’s safety while playing soccer need not to worry anymore, as the Northern Mariana Islands Football Association donated equipment to various public schools in the CNMI in preparation for the upcoming Public School System Interscholastic Football League.

NMIFA, with the help of on- and off-island companies, individuals, and foundations, handed out an equipment donation package to 10 elementary schools on Saipan yesterday at the NMIFA office in the TSL Plaza in Garapan.

The package includes two Size 4 balls, one pair of football gloves, one hand football pump/needles, one ball bag, 14 pairs of shin guards, and eight pieces of flat disc.

“Now parents can let their kids play without worrying they might get injured because of lack of protective equipment,” said Peter Loken, who coaches the girls team of Garapan Elementary School.

“Our students are free to move around the field, too and feel more confident knowing they would not get hurt when they kick the ball,” Loken added.

Francis Mendiola of Koblerville Elementary School believes the donation eases the schools’ financial burden.

“Last year, teachers even bought equipment to allow kids to play. The school even had to give $200 to cover the expenses of the one-day tournament,” said Mendiola, whose school improvised a wooden goal for a tournament before NMIFA donated goals last school year.

Besides the equipment package, Mendiola said NMIFA will shoulder the expenses for the upcoming league.

“It’s really a big help for schools and their students who want to join the league, but don’t have enought funds,” Mendiola said

Melissa Dickenson of William S. Reyes Elementay School said with NMIFA’s donation, they don’t need to use cones when playing, and more students will be encouraged to try the sport knowing the equipment is there and ready for anyone to use.

NMIFA president Jerry Tan said the equipment donation is part of NMIFA’s commitment to assist PSS in holding the interscholastic league.

“We understand that PSS is operating under a tight budget and it could not afford to allot funds for the league. With this in mind, NMIFA through the help of concerned individuals and companies decided to make donations to PSS,” Tan said.

“We hope this donation will go a long way as far as the promotion of football in the interscholastic level is concerned. PSS, teachers, principals, and students, let’s make it happen. Help bring interscholastic football in the CNMI in a high level,” he said.

Tan added future CNMI National Team players will come from the interscholastic league so it is very important to provide them with the proper playing venue and equipment to help them become excellent players.

Tan Holdings Foundation was among the generous donors for the league, giving $10,000 cash for the interscholastic program.

First Hawaiian Bank, which was represented by assistant vice president and branch manager Vicky Concepcion in yesterday’s presentation, donated $5,000.

Also present at the donation presentation was Soledad Tenorio of Joeten Charitable Foundation, which donated equipment.

Other donors were Long Way Enterprises Co. Ltd, Martin Hong, Hong Kong Football Association, and Mr. and Mrs. Larry Lee.

The interscholastic league is expected to kick off next year, replacing PSS’ one-day tournament.

Coaches/teachers met with league coordinators yesterday to discuss the league’s format and rules and regulations.