Paddlers excited, nervous as Mini Games near

Members of the CNMI National Outrigger Canoe Team go back to shore after a dry run of the va’a course for the Northern Marianas Pacific Mini Games 2022 a couple of weeks ago in the waters off the 13 Fishermen Monument Beach. (MARK RABAGO)

Members of the CNMI National Outrigger Canoe Team are experiencing excitement and a tinge of nervousness as the opening day of the Northern Marianas Pacific Mini Games 2022 draws closer.

Va’a national coach Justin Andrew said both the men’s and women’s teams have been practicing vigorously two hours a day, six times a week from Monday to Saturday in the waters off Kilili Beach as they ramp up their training for the quadrennial event.

He admitted that he feels a bit nervous because of the off-island teams coming in that includes world-record holder Tahiti. At the same time, however, he said he’s excited because the national team has been working really hard for this moment.

“I want to give a big thanks to my family who has sacrificed a lot,” added Andrew.

Women’s national paddler Kaya Rasa said she is also nervous and excited. “We have a lot to deliver but we will give our best. This sport is all about teamwork so I feel like if we apply that together, we will be able to place,” she said.

Rasa’s teammate, Vinalynn Oronigo, also admitted to having butterflies in her stomach. “I am nervous because this is my first big game and I never competed in such a big event besides school events.”

For fellow women’s national paddler Mayiah Duenas, the CNMI’s strength is that the Mini Games is being held in home waters. “ We definitely have an advantage because we know what our waters are like.”

Men’s national paddler Carter Calma said aside from the overwhelming support of the home crowd, one thing going for the men’s va’a team is that they are made up of a lot of experienced paddlers.

“Our coach here is pushing us to our potential and the expectation for the team is to get first place,” he said.

With the date for the Mini Games getting closer, Calma wants everyone to focus on their practices. He also extended his thanks to his beloved family, the community, and the government that has really supported the canoe federation.

Last month, the Northern Marianas National Paddle Sports Federation finalized the 28-person CNMI National Outrigger Canoe Team for the Mini Games

Aside from Calma, the 14-paddler men’s crew is made up of Joshua Andrew, Timothy Asaivao, Rodney Camacho, Michael Fleming III, William Grow II, Maverick Itibus, Ketson Kabiriel, James Lee, Benusto Olopai, Jose Quan, Richard Salas, Jovano Taitano, and Jason Tarkong.

The women’s team includes the aforementioned Rasa, Oronigo, and Duenas as well as Victoria Aldan, Heather Calderwood, Danica Calvo, Rica Concepcion, Erryne Dasalla, Jenisha Dubrall, Gerlyn Libunao, Elaine Sablan, Sharleen Sablan, Teresa Sablan, and Elizabeth Tenorio.

With 182 athletes, the sport of va’a has the second most entries for the Mini Games after athletics (329). New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, and the CNMI have the most paddlers with 28 apiece, followed by Guam with 24, Wallis & Futuna with 20, Tahiti with eight, Fiji with six, Norfolk Island with three, Cook Islands with two, and Palau with one.

Competition for va’a will be held in the waters off the 13 Fishermen Monument Beach from June 20 to 24. (Jinkim Abogado)