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Rogolifoi: Sports facilities need more funds
Northern Marianas Sports Association executive director Tony Rogolifoi said they would look into other funding sources to finish several improvement projects in time for Saipan’s hosting of the 2021 Pacific Mini Games.
Rogolifoi said they had already exhausted all the funds they received from the Community Development Block Grant provided by the Northern Marianas Housing Corp. and the Marianas Visitors Authority for the resurfacing of the Oleai track oval.
The resurfacing project received $905,112.80 from the CDBG, but $159,800 was deducted to pay for the A&E design done by engineering firm Henry Pangelinan and Associates. MVA gave NMSA an additional $240,000 for the completion of the resurfacing work.
“We are thankful to NMHC and the Marianas Visitors Authority for all their help. We already exhausted all the funds they provided but there’s still a lot of things needed to be done here,” Rogolifoi told Saipan Tribune.
Rogolifoi added that Federal Emergency Management Agency has also provided over $500,000 in assistance to repair other facilities damaged when Typhoon Soudelor hit Saipan two years ago.
“We hope to have additional grandstands and bleachers at the track and baseball field built before the Mini Games. We’re going to ask the government for help and hopefully they could provide additional assistance,” said Rogolifoi.
The NMSA official said renovation at the sports complex could start before the end of the year and repairs will begin at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.
“The two new scoreboards had already arrived. The old one only needs repairs and can still be used. New floors will be installed and it will be thicker to lessen injuries. It will be wall-to-wall that’s why the bleachers will be raised,” Rogolifoi said.
“We also have two 40-foot containers outside and we’re going to store the old equipment there, like the ones used by track and field. Hopefully, we could start the cleaning project by next week.”
Rogolifoi is also reminding the community that the Oleai track is still closed for public use until all improvements are done before the year ends. NMSA will charge a minimal usage fee once the track opens to help in the maintenance of the facility.
