Interscholastic sports programs on hold

Hopwood Middle School 1 in action against Dandan Middle School in the NMIVA-PSS Interscholastic Middle School Volleyball League 2021-2022 last Thursday at the Marianas High School Gymnasium.(MIKE CINCO PASCUAL)

Sports events under the CNMI Public School System Athletics Program have been suspended indefinitely due to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases in the community.

CNMI PSS Athletics Program director Nick Gross, in a notice sent to schools and sports federations, said the temporary suspension is part of their efforts to assist the community in navigating these incredibly difficult times. The CNMI recorded 577 COVID-19 cases from Feb. 2 to 4.

Affected programs include the girls and boys middle school volleyball, girls and boys high school basketball, co-ed elementary volleyball, co-ed middle and high school badminton, co-ed high school outrigger, and swim for life/swim for all.

“We will assess the situation and make plans with our federation partners to safely resume competitions as soon as possible, with the understanding that things/pans may change at any time,” Gross said.

The co-ed elementary volleyball was scheduled to have its final regular season games last Saturday and is originally slated to have its championship round this Saturday at the Chacha Oceanview Middle School field. The middle school volleyball, on the other hand, is just halfway through its season, while the IT&E Interscholastic Girls and Boys High School Basketball League just had its second week of action last Jan. 26. The TakeCare Interscholastic Badminton League opened its middle school competition last Jan. 29 and before the indefinite suspension, the organizing Northern Marianas Badminton Association is schedule to kick off the high school event on Feb. 19.

The Northern Mariana Islands Basketball Federation, which oversees the interscholastic hoops program, supports the CNMI PSS Athletics Program and the PSS leadership’s decision for the safety of everyone.

“It is unfortunate to suspend the game, however safety for all is always the NMIBF and PSS’ top priority. In today’s sports world, because of COVID, this has become the ‘new norm’ where we, the organizers, constantly have to modify base on the situation while the coaches and athletes have to adapt to the changes just as quickly. On behalf of NMIBF, I want to thank the fans, our sponsor IT&E, and everyone involved in the program for being patient and understanding,” NMIBF president James Lee said.

NMBA president Merlie Tolentino, meanwhile, is encouraging student-athletes to keep practicing at home and stay active to get ready for the resumption of the interscholastic programs. She also calls on everyone to observe safety protocols, practice the Ws (wear a mask, wash your hands, and watch your distance) to help protect themselves, their family, the elderly, and those more at risk individuals from the severe effects of the COVID-19.

In last week’s lone game in the boys middle school volleyball at the Marianas High School Gymnasium, Hopwood Middle School I managed to outlast Dandan Middle School, 14-21, 23-21, 15-13.