Paddlers gear up for Mini Games

The Northern Marianas National Paddle Sports Federation starts preparations for the 2022 Pacific Mini Games after the announcement of their inclusion last week. (Kimberly A. Bautista)

With the recent inclusion of vaa or outrigger canoe in the upcoming 2022 Pacific Mini Games, the Northern Marianas National Paddle Sports Federation has started to engage in needed conversations in preparation for the event.

In a statement from NMNPSF president Justin Andrew, he said as much as the CNMI paddling federation is excited about their inclusion in the upcoming Mini Games, there is a lot of responsibility in not only fielding a team but also hosting the sport in the quadrennial event.

“It is exciting and all paddlers that I have spoken to are all excited about the inclusion of vaa in the sports lineup. The federation recognizes the massive work that needs to be done to make this happen, and thus, has begun communications and collaborations with regional and international canoe builders, our National Federation the International Vaa Federaton (IVF), and other local and regional key stakeholders in ensuring the successful hosting of vaa races in the games next year,” he said.

However, aside from the great opportunity to feature vaa in the Mini Games, the inclusion is also an opportunity to build the sport up in the CNMI.

“Additionally, the NMNPSF is excited about the great opportunity presented now to build its outrigger canoe, paddle sports program in the CNMI, not just for the Mini Games next year but for years to come,” he said.

Andrew said NMNPSF appreciates the decision of Gov. Ralph DLG Torres to appropriate funding to include vaa in the upcoming Mini Games and also looks forward to working with the Pacific Mini Games 2022 Organizing Committee committee in regards to preparation.

“The NMNPSF appreciated the decision of the governor to include vaa and looks forward to working with the Games committee and [Northern Marianas Sports Association] in making vaa a memorable experience for our local athletes, families, and the community as well as our visiting athletes next year. We thank the governor for this,” he said.

In a previous interview with Marco Peter, Pacific Mini Games 2022 Organizing Committee chairman, he said the committee is excited about the inclusion because vaa is more than just a sport for Micronesia, it was once a way of life.

Peter said the inclusion is the CNMI’s chance to highlight its culture in seafaring.

Currently, athletics, baseball, badminton, beach volleyball, golf, and triathlon are the six sports that will officially be played in the 2022 Pacific Mini Games.

With the governor’s appropriation of an additional $1 million for the Mini Games, the organizing committee is working on including vaa, weightlifting, and tennis in the event’s final lineup.