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CNMI Weightlifting gets needed boost
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Posted on Dec 30 2020
A CNMI lifter trains during a session at a private facility. (Contributed Photo)
Though CNMI Weightlifting still does not have a base of operations, it continues to make baby steps toward the development of the sport.
Thanks to the International Weightlifting Federation and the Oceania Weightlifting Federation.
Over the past year, the CNMI Weightlifting has received approximately 585 kg (1,287 lbs) of training barbells, courtesy of the IWF. The OWF, on the other hand, has provided several online training seminars to the local federation, covering coaching, technical officials, and medical issues. The OWF also donated weight belts, straps, and shoes to the CNMI Weightlifting.
In addition, OWG has provided several opportunities for NMI athletes to compete virtually. The Commonwealth’s weightlifters participated in the Pacific Islands Email Tournament, Oceania International League E-Mail Weightlifting Tournament, and the 2020 Oceania Cup Online Tournament.
The Oceania Weightlifting Federation donated weight belts, straps, and shoes to the CNMI Weightlifting. (Contributed Photo)
With these competitions and trainings plus assistance in securing equipment, the CNMI Weightlifting is hopeful that the sport will be included in the program for the 2022 Pacific Mini Games, according to the local federation’s president John Davis.
Initially, only six sports have been approved on the calendar of events for the Mini Games, which Saipan will be hosting from June 17 to 25. Athletics, badminton, beach volleyball, golf, triathlon, baseball were on the short list, as proposed by host NMI (through the Northern Marianas Sports Association) and concurred by the Pacific Games Council and Pacific Games Association members last year.
However, early this month during the NMSA General Membership Meeting, the host island announced that it had officially requested for the inclusion of tennis and weightlifting in the Mini Games program. The request will be subject for votes/approval when the PGC and PGA convene early next year. (Saipan Tribune)
