THE 2021 Athletes of the Year, Jason Tarkong and Zarinae Sapong, will be NMI flagbearers in the opening ceremony of the Pacific Mini Games 2022 on Friday at the Oleai Sports Complex.
Tarkong is long-time athlete, and va’a or canoe racing is one of the many sports that he excels in.
Asked about his selection as a flagbearer, he replied, “I was surprised. It’s a great honor.”
Tarkong, 55, said age will eventually slow him down, but until then, he will do his best. “I try to represent, not just our islands, but as an individual, I’m also thankful to the people and my peers.”
Tarkong is part of the NMI men’s va’a team whose other members are Benusto Olopai, Carter Calma, James Lee, Jose Quan, Joshua Andrew, Jovano Taitano, Ketson Kabiriel, Maverick Itibus, Michael Flemming II, Richard Salas, Rodney Camacho, Timothy Asaivao and William Grow.
The women’s team members are Danica Calvo, Elaine Sablan, Elizabeth Tenorio, Erryne Dasalla, Gerlyn Libunao, Heather Calderwood, Jenisha Dubrall, Kaya Rasa, Mayiah Duenas, Rica Concepcion, Sharleen Sablan, Teresa Borja, Victoria Aldan and Vinalynn Oronigo.
Both teams will be led by head coach Justin Andrew with Kaleo Andrew, Elaine Cabrera and Taann Demapan-Kabua as team managers.
Zarinae Sapong, 24, is also happy to hold the NMI flag in the opening ceremony and represent the Commonwealth in the Mini Games.
“It’s exciting. It’s really an honor, especially doing it here in our home. Usually we compete off-island where we have few supporters, but this year, we have our family and friends so that makes it even more exciting,” said Sapong a sprinter who recently competed in the Oceania Athletics Championships 2022 in Mackay, Queensland, Australia as part of her preparations for the Mini Games.
“It’s been three years since I last competed. It was really an eye-opener for my tune up. I got to look at what I was lacking and what I needed to improve. I can do better here,” she said.
The other members of the NMI athletics team are Casey Cruz, Lyle Andrew, Michael Rodgers III, Theodore Rodgers, Charles McDonald III, Nathania Tan, Tiana Cabrera, Rex Pixley, Sildrey Veloria, Liamwar Rangamar, Michael Mancao, Orrin Pharmin, Maria Quitugua, Denise Myers, Kaithlyn Chavez, Alexander Camacho, Anthony Borja, Cheraline Epity, Dennis Borja, Kina Rangamar, Mark Mapeso, Richard Ogumoro and Zyrus Bata. Their coaches are Dr. Ronald Snyder, Ronald Olopai, David Shumburger and Eptes Epity.
Pacific Mini Games NMI flagbearers Zarinae Sapong and Jason Tarkong pose with the Commonwealth flags during the NMI team presentation in the Royal Taga Hall of Saipan World Resort on Tuesday.
