New backboards and shot clocks arrive for Ada Gym

Thanks to the generosity of Mondo, FIBA (the International Basketball Federation), and the FIBA Oceania Zone, the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium has received brand-new portable basketball backboards, backboard supports, and shot clocks. These will see use at the upcoming Oceania Basketball Tournament, which will be held here on Saipan from June 20 to 29, 2009.

The new units consist of a support arm, two uprights, a base, and a backboard and rim. The new units were necessary because the existing backboards at the Ada Gym no longer complied with FIBA regulations. The new units are portable, which means that they can be folded up and rolled out of the way when the Gym is needed for purposes other than basketball. The units look very similar to ones which are used in NBA arenas.

The backboard units are currently in storage, and will be installed at the Ada Gym as soon as renovations to the gym floor are completed. The renovations, which will also include upgrading of the bathrooms and locker rooms, are currently being undertaken by the Department of Public Works, under the supervision of Joe Lizama, chief of the Division of Sports and Recreation, Department of Community and Cultural Affairs.

The new shot clocks will replace existing units that are no longer functional.

Mondo, an Italian company, is a global partner of FIBA. The new equipment was secured by Steve Smith, secretary general of the FIBA Oceania Zone. This is the first time that Mondo and FIBA have ever made a donation of this size to any country or territory in the Oceania Zone. The estimated value of the equipment is $40,000. In addition, FIBA Oceania donated the cost of shipment of the backboards and shot clocks to Saipan.

Elias Rangamar, president of the Basketball Association of the Northern Mariana Islands and chairman of the Oceania Basketball Tournament Organizing Committee, welcomed the new arrivals.

“One of our objectives in holding the Oceania Tournament here on Saipan was to enable us to improve our facilities, so that they can be enjoyed by the people of the CNMI for many years to come. The new backboard units and shot clocks will be a part of the legacy that the tournament will leave for the future.”

Rangamar added, “We are very grateful to Mondo, the FIBA Study Centre, and FIBA Oceania for donating this wonderful equipment at no cost to the CNMI. The new equipment will really help us run a great tournament.”

The Oceania Tournament will be held on Saipan from June 20 to June 28, 2009. Australia and New Zealand, along with Pacific basketball powerhouses New Caledonia, Fiji, Tahiti, and Guam, and the CNMI’s North Pacific neighbor Palau, will send national men’s and women’s teams to compete with the CNMI’s best.

Gold sponsors for the tournament so far include Tan Holdings, the Joeten Charitable Foundation, and IT&E.

The organizing committee expects to close sponsorship arrangements with other companies within the next few days. Rangamar expressed his appreciation to all of the official sponsors and other contributors, especially the Marianas Visitors Authority and the Saipan Grand Hotel, and noted that additional sponsorships are still available for companies who want to take advantage of associating with this prestigious tournament. For further information about sponsorship opportunities, contact Rangamar at 664-2502 or Mike White at 234-6547. [B][I](PR)[/I][/B]