THEIR main goal on Saipan is to train hard for the 2002 World Cup in Japan. But the 23-member Irish national football squad and their supporters also plan to enjoy the sun and the tourist spots on the island.
“We’re here to train. We also want to enjoy the sunshine and the heat to get used to the climate in Japan,” Irish team manager Mick McCarthy said in an interview with Variety upon their arrival at Saipan International Airport on Saturday afternoon.
McCarthy’s group is composed of the soccer players, coaches and officials of the Football Association of Ireland. They left for Saipan on Friday via Amsterdam and Tokyo.
“We spent one hour from Ireland to Amsterdam, 11 and a half hours from Amsterdam to Tokyo and another three hours for the Saipan trip,” McCarthy said.
Saipan is no longer a foreign place to McCarthy.
“This is my third visit,” he said.
The Irish visitors were greeted at the arrival area by Kagman Cub Scouts holding welcome streamers.
From the airport, the soccer team was escorted to their hotels by their hosts led by Marianas Visiting Authority officials and representatives from local travel agencies.
In an interview, acting MVA Managing Director Vicky I. Benavente said hosting the Irish team was a great opportunity to promote the CNMI to the world.
“MVA is very excited to host this team. They’re on their way to the World Cup which is televised worldwide. Billions of people see it,” she said.
“Hosting them here on Saipan means a tremendous amount of media exposure. It’s a great marketing tool for us,” she added.
Benavente made the assurance that “Saipan is ready to host and offer them island hospitality.”
The soccer team arrived with media crews from BBC TV, Ireland Radio and other reporters from Ireland.
The 23-man squad will train at Ada Gym in Susupe beginning today until May 24.
