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New board eyes to revive badminton
Newly elected president Merlie Tolentino, seated center, joins the board and other officers of the Northern Marianas Badminton Association after the group’s election last Friday at the TSL Sports Complex. (Jon Perez)
Merlie Tolentino was elected president of the Northern Marianas Badminton Association to lead a new set of board members that aims to revive the sport after more than a year of inactivity.
Tolentino thanked the NMBA members for their trust and said that she would immediately meet with the new board to plan the group’s calendar of events for this season.
“Thank you for your trust and for giving me the responsibility to lead our association and serve as your president. Now, it’s time to unite so we could move forward and revive badminton,” said Tolentino.
Chris Hilario and Tommy Kim were elected as first and second vice president, while Jaja Samonte, Elna Curate, Hannah Choi, Lani Santos, and Patrick Fernandez joined them in the board. Tolentino, who replaced Tae Ho Kim, appointed Christy Villaflor as NMBA’s secretary general after the group’s election. Shirley Kim remains as the group’s treasurer.
Tolentino said that one of their plans is to hold a short tournament just to get the members’ interest, especially the youth, back into the sport.
“It’s just like a revival tournament. The board will have to meet so we could come up with the format. There won’t be any registration yet, but you need to be an active member in order for you to join. We’re going to come out with the format soon,” the new NMBA head said.
Tae Ho Kim, in his message, also thanked the group for giving him the chance to serve as president. “I thank all of you for the opportunity to lead our group. I wish the new board to be successful with its plans.”
