Barnes relishes short vacation on Saipan

Dr. Kurt Barnes, left, with Northern Marianas Athletics president Ramon Tebuteb during a break in a recent track and field meet at the Oleai Sports Complex. (Mark Rabago)

CNMI Sports Hall of Fame member Dr. Kurt Barnes found himself visiting old haunts and reconnecting with lifelong friends during his recent two-week vacation on Saipan.

The former vice president of Northern Marianas Athletics flew back to his home of more than four decades to see his son, Kevin, who he’s not seen in four and a half years.

“I had planned this trip two years ago but the colossal Super Typhoon Yutu plus the COVID-19 pandemic put a kink in my schedule. As it would be, my timing was perfect and I was in sheer and complete elation to be back on Saipan, the island I called home for 40 years,” he said.

Indeed, Barnes couldn’t have picked a better time to visit Saipan, as his trip coincided with the return of outdoor and sports activities. In fact, the now Elk Grove, California resident was even able to attend the launching ceremony for the 2022 Northern Marianas Pacific Mini Games held last June 17 at the Oleai Sports Complex.

“Returning to Saipan was better than I had envisioned. I saw many former friends and did my old routines. I found that many things had not changed since I left in February 2017. Certainly Super Typhoon Yutu has had an immense effect on the way of life with the citizens of Saipan but the vivacity I knew is quickly returning to form,” he said.

Dr. Kurt Barnes with son Kevin and Kim. (Contributed Photo)

While on island, the former Peace Corps volunteer, who was also instrumental in organizing the first-ever Micronesian Games (then called Micronesian Olympics) on Saipan in 1969, connected with many local sports personalities as well as former colleagues at work and ex-teammates, and of course, many friends.

“I had two great meetings with my former Peace Corps roommate in Miami Beach, Jim Belyea, a former instructor at Northern Marianas College. We’ve always have so much fun together talking old times. Also saw former track and field officers, Robin Sapong, Elias Rangamar, and Ray Tebuteb. They do such an awesome job in keeping track and field alive and well in the CNMI. Also, should mention the new president of NMI’s basketball association, James Lee, who has devised a multi-year plan to raise the skill level of basketball skills in the CNMI. Also spent some time with Roselyn Monroyo, the sports reporter from the Saipan Tribune, who has been invaluable in my success on Saipan,” he said.

Barnes said the highlight of his trip was meeting with Northern Marianas Sports Association president Jerry Tan and the leadership of the 2023 Northern Marianas Pacific Mini Games Organizing Committee.

“Jerry has done a fabulous job in providing the proper leadership to ensure that the Mini Games are a huge success. I wouldn’t be surprised if these Mini Games were the best ever held. I met with Jerry, Ben Babauta (CEO of the Mini Games), John Hirsch, Nick Gross, Alex Sablan, and Carline Sablan. It was more of a ‘meet and greet’ meeting but some solid information was exchanged between attendees,” he said.

Dr. Kurt Barnes with first-ever Saipan Marathon participants Noriko Jim and Yoshio Suzuki. Jim won the 10K and Suzuki finished the marathon. (Contributed Photo)

Barnes also admired how the Oleai Sports Complex has changed not a few years after he left and even before the planned renovations from the $21.2-million Economic Development Administration grant.

“To go to the NMSA building, one cannot pass the sports complex without seeing the Oceania nations flags waving briskly in the wind in from of the gym and on the far side of the track facility. Imagine, flag poles up with flags at full mast more than a year ahead of the opening of the event. Unheard like never before. I am sure more spectacular events will be forthcoming throughout the next 340 or so days before the actual Games commences.”

While in his latest trip to Saipan, Barnes saw changes, but he volunteered that things never really have changed much in this little dot in the middle of the Pacific.

“Saipan really hasn’t changed that much since I left. Of course, I wasn’t able to see the year after Yutu hit Saipan, but as of now, life is getting back to normal. I still could get my favorite meals on Saipan, fried mahi mahi at J’s Restaurant and chicken curry at Shirley’s Coffee Shop. And many of the better restaurants were also serving their trademark food,” he said.