2020 has been a struggle for everyone as the Covid-19 global pandemic knee-capped the economy and shut down almost all sporting events throughout most of the year.
But as adjustments were made, sports started to make a return. It all began with the virtual format as events were held online.
Toward the end of the year, physical events were allowed to be held again as long as they complied with the safety protocols.
Motocross races were hosted by the Marianas Racing Association and triathlons and basketball tournaments were held.
It was also in 2020 when the Northern Mariana Islands Football Association finally became a member of the Asian Football Confederation.
Marianas Variety asked some of the CNMI’s athletes to share their experiences in 2020 and what to look forward to in the new year.
A reason to celebrate
Norman Del Rosario, NMIFA executive committee member and MP United Football Club technical director, said the CNMI found a reason to celebrate in these unprecedented times when the NMIFA was finally granted full AFC membership “after 10 long years of hard work, perseverance, and pure passion for the sport.”
Norman Del Rosario
He added, “We may not have regular league games but the NMI national team players continue to train and are getting ready for the 2021 international competitions. We are all in this together. Stay strong, Marianas!”
Back in Cow Town
Despite a raging pandemic, motocross was revived on island thanks to the Marianas Racing Association.
In October, MRA was back at its “home” in Cow Town where motocross races were held over 10 years ago.
“Since there really wasn’t much sporting events happening, a few of us got together in February and talked about bringing motocross back,” MRA vice president Cuki Alvarez said.
Cuki Alvarez
“As you can see, we are back! I truly feel it was meant to be and that everyone’s willingness and eagerness to bring motocross back led us to where we are today,” he added.
Alvarez, who is also the founder of Trench Tech and in charge of Mixed Martial Arts events held yearly, said 2020 was “definitely a challenging year” for the sport.
“Right when we were finally getting over the devastation from Typhoon Yutu and making plans to start MMA again, Covid-19 dealt us with another blow. Our gym closed down in April. Then when the protocols were slightly lifted, we decided to reopen and give it a try. Membership fell substantially because of the social distancing directives, so naturally we couldn’t do much to prepare for an MMA event.”
Alvarez added, “But we are looking forward and remaining optimistic about hosting MMA events again if this Covid-19 vaccine is really the cure for the pandemic. At the same time, we will keep the momentum with the motocross scene, and if all goes well, we plan to host international racing events as part of our 4th of July activities as we used to do from 1998 to 2008!”
Roller coaster
For Frank “The Crank” Camacho, 2020 was a tough year.
“My fight in April didn’t pull through because of the…coronavirus and then I had a really bad loss in June…. I was supposed to set myself up for a good comeback against Brock Weaver in September but then I tested positive for Covid-19 so it has just been a crazy roller coaster,” he told Variety.
Frank “The Crank” Camacho
“I was supposed to fight three times but only fought once. Aside from that, on a personal note, being away from my family during the peak of Covid was another [letdown]. It was a very different time but I always look at things as ‘glass half full.’ I still have a job with Ultimate Fighting Championship, we are healthy, and Covid-free,” Camacho said.
“We are going to look back at 2020 and we will find more positive [things] than negative. We were able to spend more time with our loved ones more than ever. Working remotely from home is possible. It may not feel like it now but this is a blessing in disguise for me and for a lot of people. I’m looking forward to 2021, aiming for a fight early in the year to start 2021 right. I’ll continue to fight and continue to support my family. I do have another baby on the way. I’m looking forward to it.”
Chance to shine
Triathlons like the Tagaman and Hell of the Marianas were missing their usual international athletes this year, but on a positive note, more local athletes had a chance to shine.
Renren Gaviola
Young triathlete/cyclist Renren Gaviola excelled in several events, bringing home gold, silver and bronze medals. “The bikers here on Saipan are nice to the youth riders. They gave me advice and tips every time there was an event,” Gaviola said.
“I’m looking forward to 2021. I’ll continue my training because there are a lot of bikers who believe that I have potential. They motivate me every time we ride and I thank them for what they do and for who they are.”
Continued progress
As for paddling, most of the groups were forced to stop all activities.
However, for Lei Tenorio and her Saipan Paddling Club team mates, they found other means to keep their spirits alive.
Lei Tenorio
“2020 was a tough year for paddling because we were forced to stop practicing due to Covid-19 restrictions and social distancing,” she said.
“The pandemic also cancelled the annual Micro Cup competition which we all looked forward to. On a positive note, we were eventually able to start practicing again following the guidelines and taking proper precautions. We were also able to continue our annual SPC 5K fun run fundraiser, only this year it was a virtual event. I look forward to continued progress toward beating this pandemic in 2021. I am hopeful that it will be a more positive year for us all!”
