NMASA to relocate, reopen weight room

Northern Marianas Amateur Sports Association is working on relocating and reopening the weight room at the Oleai Sports Complex later this month.

NMASA executive director Tony Rogolifoi reported at the association’s meeting last Thursday that they are eyeing the room adjacent to the main office of the complex as the new weight room. Rogolifoi added they will begin transferring equipment to the new weight room this month.

NMASA program coordinator Elias Rangamar, in an email to Saipan Tribune, said they are hoping to open the weight room to the public by the end of January. Fees and operation hours will also be announced later this month.

The complex’s weight room is formerly located on the north side of the facility, facing the track oval. However, it has been closed for several years, as its ceiling was condemned.Some equipment were also missing, forcing the former caretaker (the defunct Division of Sports and Recreation) to turn away prospective users.

Meanwhile, more repairs and improvements will be done at the complex. Rogolifoi said they will coordinate with the people in charge of the Capital Improvement Project for funds for NMASA’s projects. The executive director said they are planning to repair the ceiling and windows of the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium, put up signs around the facility, and maintain ground work at the Francisco “Tan” Ko Palacios Ballfield and Miguel “Tan Ge” Pangelinan Ballfiled.

NMASA is also looking into ways how to work on the bubbles at the track oval and is reminding the public to take extra caution when using the facility.

As for the usage fees and operation hours of the various facilities at the complex, Rangamar said they started the open gym policy since last Monday. Players who want to practice volleyball and basketball can use the Ada Gym every Monday and Friday from 11am to 1pm and every Tuesday and Thursday from 6pm to 8:30pm at a minimal fee of $1 per player.

The Ada Gym is also being used for MHS basketball team practice every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, from 3:30pm to 5:30pm, while athletics practice and Frisbee games held at the track facility every Monday (for Frisbee only) and Friday from 5pm to 7pm. Tuesday and Friday are for soccer games from 4pm to 7pm. These schedules are good only until this Sunday.

Rangamar added schools, groups, and sports federations wishing to use the facilities at the complex must make their request/reservation in writing. Application forms are available at the complex. For more information, contact Rogolifoi at tonyrogolifoi@yahoo.com or Rangamar at eli_rang@yahoo.com.