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White urges athletes to keep competing
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Posted on Feb 20 2009
Northern Marianas Amateur Sports Association president Michael White encouraged athletes to keep on competing no matter what the odds are in a message delivered at the 2008 NMASA Annual Sports Banquet Thursday night at the Seaside Hall of Saipan Grand Hotel.
“Never give up. Keep on competing for yourselves, your family, your teammates, and your Commonwealth,” White said.
“It is through sports competitions that we can attain good health and better well-being,” he added.
White acknowledged that in this time of crisis, it will be hard for athletes to compete, especially in off-island tournaments. But he said this should not dampen their spirits, as sports leaders will try to find ways to make athletes compete and continue improving their skills.
“Our sports leaders will do their very best to get help from the community to make sure our athletes can compete against some of the best in the region,” said White. “Parents and family members will also be there to help our athletes. Individuals and companies are there, too, as their continued support is vital to the success of our athletes and the CNMI sports,” the NMASA president added.
After his inspirational thoughts, White through the assistance of NMASA vice president Jeff Race and secretary Rose Igitol proceeded with the main agenda for the night—the recognition of top athletes and coaches of last season.
Named Athletes of the Year were swimmer Rezne Wong and sprinter Yvonne Bennett, while voted Student Athletes of the Year were Marianas High School’s Jericho Cruz and Jacque Wonenberg.
Athletics and basketball’s Elias Rangamar was selected Coach of the Year, while golfer Jess Wabol was inducted to the CNMI Sports Hall of Fame.
NMASA also cited athletes and student athletes of the month. The list included Ji Hoon Heo, Eli Torgeson, Tyce Mister, Jack Kabiriel, Nicky San Nicolas, Sarah Johnson, Marystar Welch, Grace Kimball, Mieko Carey, Maimi Shimizu, Maimi Oshima-Berger, Becca Newman, Rafael Jones, Kai Staal, Christian Miller, Trevor Ogumoro, Kensuke Kimura, Caleb Arriola, Raphael Zapanta, Abigail Martinsen, Lia Rangamar, Angel Marie Tan, Thea Minor, and Roxanne Duenas.
