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NMIFA receives $3K donation from Rep. Barcinas
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- Rep. Donald Barcinas, standing fourth left, hands over the $3,000 check to Northern Mariana Islands Football Association president Jerry Tan, standing fifth left, during a donation turnover ceremony at the NMIFA office in Garapan. Joining the two officials in the photo are members of the CNMI Girls U18 National Training Pool. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)
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- Standing from left, Northern Mariana Islands Football Association technical director Michiteru Mita, NMIFA deputy general secretary Merlie Tolentino, Rep. Donald Barcinas, NMIFA president Jerry Tan, and NMIFA general secretary Ross Zapanta pose for a photo with some members of the CNMI Women’s National Team during the donation turnover ceremony. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)
Rep. Donald Barcinas (R-Saipan) donated $3,000 to Northern Mariana Islands Football Association in support of the group’s soccer development program in the Commonwealth.
“I am very much aware of how soccer is growing in the CNMI with many youth players getting involved with the sport so I decided to donate money from my leadership account in support of this very good program,” said Barcinas, who turned over the donation to NMIFA president Jerry Tan in a brief ceremony last Friday at the association’s office in Garapan.
“This donation also shows my appreciation to the dedicated NMIFA officials, the coaches and the players’ parents for volunteering their time and effort to the program and toward the development of our youth,” the lawmaker added.
Barcinas’ donation was a surprise, but very timely, according to Tan.
“It’s the first time that someone called us and donated some money on the same day, so we’re very surprised but thankful to Rep. Barcinas. This donation comes in handy as the more youth are getting interested in playing soccer, the more resources we need to keep the program growing,” Tan said.
“Every support that a non-profit organization like us gets is very important, especially as we try to expand the program. We really appreciate Rep. Barcinas’ generosity and support to NMIFA and our youth,” the NMIFA head added.
Barcinas assured NMIFA that this will not be the last time he will be supporting soccer development in the CNMI. He also said that he will be donating funds for the renovation of the dugouts at the Garapan Elementary School Field, resurfacing of the basketball court at the Oleai Elementary School, and for NMI Rollers’ participation in a tournament in Guam later this year.
“Sports is close to my heart that’s why I love to see more and more people get involved with sports,” said the father of former Mt. Carmel School basketball players Dan and Aitau Barcinas and the founding president of the tennis association in the CNMI (now Northern Mariana Islands Tennis Association).
Barcinas turned in his donation in the presence of the CNMI Women’s National Team and U18 pool members, NMIFA general secretary Ross Zapanta, and deputy general secretary Merlie Tolentino, and he encouraged the players to keep training and not quit the sport.
“You may not get the win today, but in the future, you will. Stay focus and train,” Barcinas said.
NMIFA technical director Michiteru Mita was also present at the donation turnover ceremony and expressed his appreciation to Barcinas.
“This donation is very valuable in the continued development of our youth. Thank you to Rep. Barcinas and we promise to work hard in every practice and game,” Mita said.
