NMA takeover of Oleai track put on hold

 Northern Marianas Athletics’ takeover of the track and field facilities and three other venues inside the Oleai Sports Complex is on hold after the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs rescinded a three-party memorandum of understanding.

The MOU, which stated that DCCA and Northern Marianas Amateur Sports Association is giving NMA the sole rights to use, manage, and maintain the track and field facility and also the weight room, two outside toilets, and office space on the west side entrance of the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium, was signed in April this year by NMASA president Michael White, DCCA Secretary Melvin Faisao, and NMA president Rep. Ramon Tebuteb (R-Saipan).

However, after only six months and with NMA already establishing the final rules and regulations covering the usage of these facilities, DCCA sent a letter to the athletics group and other concerned parties about the nullity of the MOU.

Faisao in an email to Saipan Tribune yesterday confirmed the cancellation of the MOU, but declined to further comment on the issue.

However, Saipan Tribune learned the DCCA cited conflicts with the Northern Marianas Housing Corp. block grant condition and contract between the agency and a visiting Korean baseball team as reasons for rescinding the MOU. The Korean baseball squad uses the facilities at the complex for its spring training from November to March for certain fees. An email to NMHC’s Zenie Mafnas asking what specific conditions conflict with the MOU has yet to be answered at press time.

The MOU can be rescinded with or without cause and NMA said although they respect DCCA’s decision, they will still find other ways to move forward with the planned takeover. NMA wants a hand in the maintenance and operation of the track and field facility, as it is the heart of its athletics development program in the CNMI.

“There are various benefits to such MOU. This is the only athletics facility in Micronesia (Oceania’s North Pacific) that has met the IAAF requirement. NMA continues to provide annual athletics program to our CNMI children. These programs range from road races to the athletic activities in both gender base events ranging from elementary to high schools, moreover from college age individuals to our seniors citizens. Athletics certification benefits and coaching requirement are regularly provided to NMA by our regional development centers (OAA-RDC) and our international (IAAF) body. Keeping this facility in tip-top condition may also provide benefits for world athletes to avail this facility for any seasonal training,” Tebuteb was quoted as saying during the signing of the MOU six months ago.

Now, Tebuteb said they will coordinate with NMASA for their next step.

“Without the MOU, NMA cannot move forward. I will wait for the next NMASA monthly meeting to officially request its position on DCCA’s decision and then take it from there,” Tebuteb said.

NMASA by virtue of PL No. 4-66 approved by then Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio during the 4th Legislature in 1984, has powers and duties in regulating the use, operation, and maintenance of sports facilities of the CNMI government (including the Oleai Sports Complex) under a memorandum between the association and the departments of Community and Cultural Affairs, Natural Resources, Education, Public Works, and the Office of the Governor.

Right now, the Division of Sports and Recreation is in charge of the entire Oleai Sports Complex, but NMASA in the past months has already expressed an interest in taking over the Oleai facilities.

A bill is pending at the House of Representatives, supporting the plan of NMASA to takeover of the Oleai Sports Complex. There is also an organization assessment report from Virginia-based Management Analysis, Inc. made last year, recommending the transfer of the Division of Sports and Recreation functions to NMASA.