Saipan Mayor Donald Flores was present at the event to give his remarks during the closing ceremony of the competition.
“I wish for the continued cooperation and collaboration between Japan and Saipan that aim to promote friendship and goodwill through this basketball tournament,” said Mayor Flores in his closing remarks.
“Sports has brought schools together, countries together, and created a long lasting friendship. I was so honored to see the amount of you that participated. I encourage you to get more of your friends and to play sports such as basketball; get out and get active and be healthy,” he further attested.
Mayor Flores also said, “Lastly I want to wish our friends from Settsu to have a safe trip home. We will continue to pray for the speedy recovery of Japan and its residence that were devastated by the earthquake and tsunami. Congratulations once again to all of you. Remember: friendship first, competition second. God bless and goodnight everyone.”
Moreover, DCCA Secretary Melvin Faisao graced the event on behalf of Gov. Fitial.
He said, “Myself and Ms. Jacklyn Mendiola are here on behalf of his honorable Governor Fitial and his honorable Lieutenant Governor Inos. I take this opportunity to express that it is indeed my pleasure to be here witnessing for this closing ceremony of the 2011 Settsu-Saipan Friendship Basketball Tournament.”
He also expressed appreciation for Settsu Red Impulse basketball team from Osaka Japan and the Saipan teams.
“Our prayer to the victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan,” said Faisao as he spoke before 40 individuals and 25 student athletes who participated in the tournament.
Faisao also shared a very important message in his remarks during the closing ceremony that was very vital to the further development of basketball in the Northern Marians Islands.
“I am very privileged and happy to know the hard work and effort that the Basketball Association of the Northern Mariana Island; Mr. Tony Rogolifoi the president and Mr. Elias Rangamar Vice-President as well as sponsors who have demonstrated realization of this event and I feel privileged to have the honor to announce that the DCCA and DYS will assist the Basketball Association of the Northern Mariana Island should the need requires. Our office is open,” he said.
Furthermore he said, “I know that basketball is a sport pursued by many as it requires precision in the execution of skills to reach high levels of performance. The players need to develop qualities like discipline, perseverance, determination, boldness, alertness, flexibility, and most importantly sportsmanship and exchange of cultural values. The Basketball Association of the Northern Mariana Island deserves accolades or praises for its effort in raising the standard of not only sportsmanship, but the overall standard of school sports in our region.”
In his message he included his further goal and vision towards adding children with disabilities into the program, “However, I humbly urge BANMI for inclusion of basketball games suitable to our youth or children with disabilities.”
Lastly Faisao added, “My congratulations goes to the coaches and facilitators for successfully organizing this year’s event and I extend a sincere Si Yuus Maase, Olomwaay, Thank you, and Domo Arigato Gusaimas. To the Japanese Red Impulse team, you should take this ooportunity to make new friends so that you can appreciate and understand the rich diversity of cultures in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Island.”
Coordinator Gabriel White was also recognized for inviting the Settsu Red Impulse team and his unselfish and untiring effort to help coordinate competitions like the friendly tournament.
