Laly 4 basketball court back in business

Residents of Laly 4 will now be able to use their basketball court once more.

The Saipan Mayor’s Office has donated basketball boards and two basketballs while Rep. Rafael S. Demapan Jr. of Precinct II donated nets for the residents’ use.

Staffers of the Saipan Mayor’s Office installed the board and the nets Friday morning. The board was made from leftover lumber from the booths built for the 2010 Liberation Day festivities.

Mayor Donald G. Flores said he also plans to clear the vegetation in the area and install used tin roofs to protect spectators from the intense heat of the sun or a heavy downpour.

Flores disclosed that village residents have been unable to use the facility for many months now due to the lack of boards and nets.

“I just want to see the residents of Laly 4 do something active,” Flores told Saipan Tribune. “With the basketball boards and nets put into place, we can now promote health and wellness in this neighborhood.”

Flores said his office is partnering with the residents to protect the facility. “They have to become responsible owners of this facility. Maintain it and don’t let anyone vandalize it,” he added.

Demapan, for his part, commended the mayor for his “speedy efforts” in ensuring that the Laly 4 basketball court becomes operational.

“It will greatly help not just the residents of Precinct II but even visitors from other villages who wish to come and play with our kids here,” he said.

Demapan urged residents and visitors alike to park their vehicles in the designated parking spaces and not on the beach, to avoid damaging the precinct’s coastal resources.

The lawmaker also urged the public to take ownership of and be responsible for the facility. “For anyone who comes in and use the facility, preserve it because they deserve it,” said Demapan.

Village leader Ben Taitano underscored the importance of maintaining the basketball court. “We, the people of this village, really appreciate this donation. …The kids in Laly 4 spend their late afternoon to early evening most of the days—practically every day here. This is where they spend their after-school hours,” he said.

Taitano designated young resident Cil Teregeyo to be in charge of the basketballs since he lives near the court. He urged residents to take care of the area “because this is your place.

“If we don’t take care of the place, it will be our own fault,” he added.

The Mayor’s Office also donated boards and basketballs for the Chalan Kanoa basketball court that same day.