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NMI Rugby 7s warms up for Vanuatu
The CNMI men’s Rugby 7s team will be competing in an international tournament in Guam later this month, using the event as a gauge for the 2017 Pacific Mini Games in Vanuatu set from Dec. 4 to 15.
Northern Marianas Rugby Union president Stanley Iakopo informed Northern Marianas Sports Association members of their federation’s activities leading up to the Mini Games in Port Villa.
Several Asian teams would be competing against them and Guam in the Heineken International 7s.
Iakopo said this will be a great tune up event for the CNMI national team and would test how ready they are for the Mini Games. “Rugby had been non-existent for over 10 years. We’re thankful that we receive support from the community.”
“This is a good test for us for Vanuatu. The team is made up of 90 percent local and with the strong support from the community, we’re hoping to keep the team for the 2019 Pacific Games,” added Iakopo.
He said they scheduled a fundraising event on Aug. 22 for the Guam trip and the Mini Games in December. Tickets are $25 each at Naked Fish Bar & Grill in Susupe from 7pm to 10pm.
The Vanuatu Mini Games is the 10th edition of the scaled down version of the Pacific Games. It was originally set in September but Cyclone Pam delayed the preparations being done by the organizing committee.
Archery, athletics, beach volleyball, 3×3 basketball, boxing, football, golf, judo, karate, netball, table tennis, tennis, and weightlifting are the other sports aside from Rugby 7s that are on the Vanuatu Mini Games calendar.
The CNMI will also be competing in athletics, golf, and 3×3 basketball. Weightlifting is another local federation that is thinking of competing. All sports federations have until Oct. 20 to submit their athletes’ entries.
In other news, the local weightlifting federation will also have a fundraising event on Aug. 26 at 6pm at Jonny’s Bar in Garapan.
