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Sikkel is CNMI Chef de Mission to Mini Games
Richard Sikkel, standing third right, joins a group of paddlers for a photo-op at the conclusion of a local race early this month. Sikkel is the CNMI Chef de Mission to the 2017 Pacific Mini Games in Vanuatu. (Contributed Photo)
The Northern Marianas Sports Association has selected Richard Sikkel as Chef de Mission for Team CNMI in the 2017 Pacific Mini Games in Port Vila, Vanuatu.
As Chef de Mission, Sikkel will have immediate responsibility for Team CNMI at the Games. His principal duties will relate to the welfare of Team CNMI in the Games Village.
Sikkel, a school principal at Brilliant Star School, has been involved in organized sports from a very young age, participating in tennis, judo, soccer, swimming, and wind surfing. He was part of the team that represented the Saipan Outrigger Canoe Club in the 2004 Micro Cup in Palau. He has competed in or helped organize several international outrigger events in Saipan, Guam, Palau, Hong Kong, and Australia. In 2010, he represented the CNMI to the Micronesian Games, as a player/coach for the CNMI outrigger team. He has competed in XTERRA Saipan, Tagaman, and adventure races. As Brilliant Star School’s principal, he is responsible for all interscholastic sports in which the school participates, including swimming, athletics, and soccer.
“Richard brings a wealth of experience to his new position. NMSA is confident that Team CNMI will be in good hands in Vanuatu,” said NMSA president Michael A. White, who will head the CNMI delegation to the Games.
Accompanying White will be key members of the Organizing Committee for the 2021 Pacific Mini Games, which will be hosted by the CNMI. Governor Torres, along with other CNMI government officials, are expected to attend the Games. As the head of government, Torres will receive the Games flag at the closing ceremony of the 2017 Pacific Mini Games. The flag will be raised again at the opening ceremony of the 2021 Games.
