Participants of the Youth Summer Sports Blitz pose for a photo with House Speaker Edmund Villagomez at the Oleai Sports Complex.
FILOMENALEONISA Iakopo, the chair of the Committee on Sports & Recreation of the Youth Congress, along with the Saipan Mayor’s Office, successfully held the Youth Summer Sports Blitz at the Oleai Sports Complex from Monday to Saturday.
Iakopo designed and organized the program with the help of coach Peter Pulu, a two-time Olympian and Pacific champion, and volleyball coach Bill Owens.
The event featured track and field, soccer, volleyball and other fun activities and games for children 10 to 17 years of old.
The morning sessions for 10-13 years old were held from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. while the afternoon sessions for 14-17 years old were held from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
On Saturday, a friendly competition ended the sports blitz on a high note.
“I am passionate about providing opportunities for our youth to participate in physical activities so they can discover their athletic potential, develop essential life skills, and cultivate a passion for sports,” Iakopo said. “We strive to instill values like teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship.”
Iakopo is an athlete herself. A track and field sprinter, she is also a Dee Clayton women’s figure bodybuilding champion who participates in motocross competitions and is a student of Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
“Sports can positively impact an individual’s physical fitness and mental well-being,” she said.
Iakopo said the Youth Summer Sports Blitz promoted the importance of staying active and healthy.
She believes that a diverse range of sports activities can help build character and self-confidence while promoting inclusivity, community engagement, and personal growth in a fun and safe environment where kids can thrive and make lasting memories.
“I am so thankful and humbled by its resounding success. We had about 50-60 participants per day,” Iakopo said.
“The program was held at the Oleai Sports Complex; however, we had to adapt to unforeseen circumstances. During rainy days we remained indoors at Ada gym. We had to create innovative and modified versions of outdoor games.”
Soccer was replaced by a fast-paced futsal match where the smaller court encouraged tighter teamwork and precision passing.
“For track and field, we set up an obstacle course and cone drills that promoted agility, speed, and coordination. For volleyball, the kids learned the fundamentals of serving, setting, receiving, and spiking. With a shorter net height, we also had a tournament,” Iakopo said.
“Despite the initial setback, we made it work for the kids. The youth embraced the changes with enthusiasm. The laughter, camaraderie, and sporting spirit that filled the gym reminded us that in the face of adversity, there are always opportunities to have a positive and enjoyable experience,” said Iakopo who also participated in the events.
“All sports activities and games were an absolute blast. Each game was curated to cater to different interests and skill levels. There was a healthy competition and celebrating each other’s success with high-fives and encouraging words. It was truly heartwarming to see the smiles on their faces. The impact of physical fitness was beyond the program itself, as the youth left with confidence, cherished memories, and newfound friendships,” Iaokopo said.
“I am incredibly grateful to my parents (Stanley and Priscilla), my brothers, and Coach Peter Pulu who wholeheartedly supported my ambitions of creating the Youth Summer Sports Blitz. Their encouragement and belief in my vision made this dream a reality. I couldn’t have done it without them. To my Youth Congress colleagues and coordinator (LJ Castro), thank you. Their collaboration and support played a vital role in making the Youth Summer Sports Blitz successful. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of them.”
The program’s main sponsor was the Saipan Mayor’s Office. “Their invaluable assistance has enabled us to provide the youth with an enriching experience through sports,” Iakopo said. “Saipan Mayor RB Camacho’s dedication to the youth is evident in his consistent efforts to promote the well-being and development of young individuals in our community,” she added.
The other sponsors were:
Youth Affairs Office
TurnKey Solutions
Bridge Capital
Triple J
IT&E
Coca Cola
Run Saipan
Tupu Cane Juice
Paradise Dental
Saipan Nail and Spa
Hagu Real
Kensington Hotel
Marianas Variety
Saipan Tribune
Rep. BJ Attao
Rep. Joel Camacho
Rep. Angelo Camacho
Rep. Marissa Flores
Rep. Denita Yangetmai
Saipan International School
Mount Carmel School
Kagman High School
Grace Christian Academy
Northern Marianas College-Nursing Club
Northern Marianas Sports Association
Filomenaleonisa Iakopo
