Netters need help for Pacific Nations Cup

The CNMI’s Isabel Herras in action during the tennis competition of the Northern Marianas Pacific Mini Games 2022 at the American Memorial Park tennis courts. (NMPMG2022/NORMAN DEL ROSARIO)

Fresh from their successful stint in the Northern Marianas Pacific Mini Games 2022 where they won three gold medals and a bronze, the CNMI National Tennis Team needs help to compete in this year’s Pacific Nations Cup in Lautoka, Fiji.

Isabel Herras, Bobby Cruz, Colin Ramsay, and Hye Jin Elliott need an extra $6,500 to finance their trip to Fiji and the former has created a Go Fund Me page to make it happen.

In her message to would-be donors, Herras said while the Northern Marianas Islands Tennis Association is determined to continue supporting its athletes, the non-profit tennis organization has insufficient funding to send the four to compete in the Pacific Nations Cup following the investment in its junior programs and preparation for the Pacific Mini Games amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We really appreciate any amount donated. These donations will open up opportunities for all players in NMI tennis. We all have different small goals for the upcoming tournament in the Pacific Nations Cup. But the main goal we all share is to play freely, embrace the competition, and show everyone the hard work we put in.”

She added that the Pacific Nations Cup is a prestigious event where only the top 64 players from 15 member-nations of Pacific Oceania get to compete in the International Tennis Federation-sponsored competition.

“Therefore, NMITA is urgently reaching out for the support of the NMI community. The CNMI National Tennis Team needs an additional $6,500 to cover travel costs to Fiji. We recognize that these are challenging times to give so that any financial assistance would be exponentially appreciated,” said Herras.

In return, the bronze medalist in  the mixed doubles competition of the Mini Games said the national team will provide a group tennis clinic and hitting session for up to 20 members of any organization that donates and they will also be available for a photo opportunity in recognition of the support.

“NMITA hopes that the pride in our successes in the recent international competitions and our commitment to the success of our junior program will inspire you to give,” added Herras. 

She also said the tournament will help them grow as tennis players—mentally and physically—as the competition is at a high level.

For more information or to donate, click on https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-get-the-nmi-tennis-team-to-nations-cup?sharetype=teams&member=20383123&pc=fb_co_campmgmt_w&rcid=r01-165684141832-9da46f4cfab411ec&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=p_lico%2Bshare-sheet&fbclid=IwAR1ktS0RvrXSCq9O7uDRk6K-rfHRAVZ-n7zGGP7AnrDmxwVa1K2NDKG5f2g.