ON Saturday, Sept. 13, a new tradition will begin on the greens of LaoLao Bay Golf & Resort as the inaugural “Drive for Diabetes” Golf Tournament — a student-led initiative — tees off to raise awareness and support for diabetes care across the CNMI. The event is more than just a game; it’s a statement from the community about tackling one of its most prevalent health challenges head-on.
The tournament was inspired by co-organizer Scarlett Kim during her time shadowing a nurse practitioner. “I found a pattern in the patient charts… the word ‘diabetic,’” Kim shared. She noticed that many patients struggled with consistent at-home blood sugar monitoring due to the high cost of glucometers, which often aren’t covered by insurance.
This gap in care motivated Kim to team up with her friend and avid golfer, Zhi Yun Li, to create the tournament. “We created this event as a small but meaningful way to support our community,” Kim explained. The tournament aims to combine a community passion — golf — with a critical health issue, using proceeds to provide free or subsidized glucometers to underserved patients.
“Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases here,” Kim said. “We hope this event not only provides support but also sends a strong message that diabetes is a serious issue we must face together.”
The tournament, held on the west course of LaoLao Bay Golf & Resort, has already received significant backing from local businesses. Organizers expressed gratitude for the generosity of sponsors, noting their contributions are vital to the event’s success.
For its inaugural year, the emphasis is on creating a sustainable, long-term event. “My goal is for ‘Drive for Diabetes’ to become an annual tradition where students, golfers, and community members can come together to support diabetes care in the CNMI,” Kim stated. She views the challenges of a first-time event as valuable lessons that will improve future tournaments.
Tournament schedule and prizes
The tournament is set to begin with a showtime of 11:30 a.m. and a shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. Prizes will be awarded to the top five teams: $500 for first place, $400 for second, $300 for third, $200 for fourth, and $100 for fifth. Individual players can also compete for the “Closest to Pin” award, with $80 prizes available on holes #3, #7, #13, and #17.
Beyond competition, the event serves as a call to action for the CNMI community. Kim’s motto, “It’s better late than never, but it’s even better to never be late,” emphasizes prevention and healthy living. She encourages everyone to check on loved ones living with diabetes and maintain a healthy lifestyle. “For those who are struggling, I hope this event offers at least a small push of support in your journey toward managing diabetes,” she said.
For more information or to register, interested individuals can visit the LaoLao Bay Golf & Resort front desk or contact Scarlett Kim at (670) 483-0100 or Zhi Yun Li at (670) 989-5560. They can also email drivefordiabetes2025@gmail.com/.
The community is invited to come together for a day of sport, support, and hope, proving that a small drive can lead to big change.
