Both he and PGC executive director Andrew Minogue concluded their site inspection tour last week regarding the NMI’s bid to host the Pacific Mini Games in 2017.
According to Lakhan, the NMI has “95 percent of the facilities” that it needs.
The NMI’s list of proposed events includes athletics, soccer, golf, swimming, tennis, va’a (canoe), beach and indoor volleyball, baseball, sailing, and triathlon.
This will be both officials’ last stop following previous visits to Vanuatu and Nauru – both of which are also competing to host the games.
“We will show our evaluation next week based on our findings on each of these visits,” added Minogue.
“[The Northern Marianas Amateur Sports Association] will have an opportunity to respond to our report and to update the members through a progress report on extra things they’ve done since they’ve launched the bid.”
The winning bid will be determined during the Pacific Games Council’s General Assembly at Nouméa, New Caledonia in September 4. The assembly is concurrent with the 2011 Pacific Games.
Meanwhile, NMASA president Michael White has a positive outlook for the 2017 Games.
“It’s something that would bring us all together. I’ve never seen such united support for anything here in the Commonwealth,” he said. “The games are gonna leave a lasting legacy, both in terms of memories as well as facilities for the people of the CNMI.”
Last week Wednesday, Minogue and Lakhan visited several venues that will be utilized for the Mini Games, should the NMI win the bid.
“We’re ready to welcome the nations of the Pacific in 2017,” said White.
“We’re ready to go.”
