2021 has been tough because of the rise in the number of Covid-19 cases in the community, but 2022 is just around the corner and local athletes interviewed by Variety are already looking forward to a new and — we all hope — better year.
Run Saipan president Edward Dela Cruz Jr. said he wants to see the CNMI “moving on from Covid-19 and [our athletes] competing again.”
He added, “It’s going to be tough but I’m thankful for our government and our sports organizations for making it work out and catering to the athletes. I’m so thankful for them all.”
Athletics and running are the “lucky” sports that were able to maintain face-to-face interactions with athletes on island, but several events had to be canceled or postponed because of Covid-19.
Basketball, for its part, did not see much action because it is a contact-sport.
“Man, to be honest I want all sports to be back and I pray for a cure for Covid in 2022,” said NMI national basketball team head coach Joe Diaz.
He is also looking forward to improvements on the island that could cater to the sport of basketball.
“More gyms, for example. On Guam, almost all villages have their own gyms. That is how we invest in our community so people can stay active and healthy,” he added.
For triathlon, NMI Cycling Federation and Triathlon Association of the CNMI secretary general Ricky Castro said, “What makes me excited for 2022 is the Pacific Mini Games, specifically the triathlon event on Rota. My hope is that people will adjust and return to the pre-pandemic time when athletes could compete everywhere and there were events to look forward to.”
Also affected by Covid-19 were billiards and darts, both popular sports among locals.
According to Saipan Billiards Association and Saipan Electronic Darts Association League secretary Warlee Ellama, “With sports, people can learn many things including those related to their behavioral and psychological growth. It is important to spread the usefulness of sports to everyone so we can all have a fit lifestyle.”
Ellama added, “We need motivation so won’t give up on hope and life, and that’s what SEDA and SBA are all about: hope and motivation. Also, sports teaches you when to take the lead, when to let others take the lead, and how to strike a balance. If you learn these things, you will be a perfect leader, and you can lead your team with confidence.”
Other athletes are already focused on the upcoming Pacific Mini Games that will be held on Saipan on June 17 to 25, 2022.
Basketball is not included in the regional event, but NMI Basketball Federation president James Lee is still excited for the games as they will bring hundreds of athletes from the Pacific region.
“Definitely looking forward to that. It may not happen again in our lifetime so having the Pacific Mini Games here is something extra special,” Lee said.
Run Saipan president Edward Dela Cruz Jr. agreed. “I’m also looking forward to meeting all the athletes from the Pacific as we all share our love of sports.”
Before the spread of Covid-19, the Northern Marianas Badminton Association was propelling through with several “Shuttle Time” programs on Saipan as well on the neighboring islands.
Badminton is still moving forward, said NMBA director Janelle Pangilinan who noted that the sport will now be included in the Public School System Interscholastic sports events.
“I’m excited that badminton will be in interscholastic for the first time,” she added.
She is also excited that on-island tournaments and off-island competitions are still being held.
“I’m looking forward to the time and effort I will devote to badminton training sessions. And of course, I’m looking forward to the Pacific Mini Games,” Pangilinan said.
Like badminton, outrigger canoe racing will be featured in the 2022 Pacific Mini Games.
“It’ll be a very exciting time for both athletes and spectators alike!” said local paddler Lei Tenorio. “Our islands will be buzzing with hundreds of athletes from different jurisdictions competing in a variety of sports!”
For CNMI national golf team player JJ Atalig, he is hoping for a cure for Covid-19 in the new year.
“That way, we can return to a normal life,” he added. “I also look forward to all CNMI athletes winning medals at the Pacific Mini Games — most especially my son, Joshua, who’s been and continues to work hard at his golf game! I hope and pray that this platform, the Pacific Mini Games, will open up opportunities for my son that will jumpstart his goal of becoming the first CNMI local to make it to the PGA” — the Professional Golfers’ Association.
For his part, Northern Marianas Athletics secretary general Robin Sapong is looking forward to the growth of young local athletes. “I’m looking forward to more grassroots sports programs in our community, including more coaches in schools, and I also hope to see more sustainable youth activities. In addition, safe sports policy across all youth sports and activities.”
Edward Dela Cruz Jr.
James Lee
Ricky Castro
Warlee Ellama
Janelle Pangilinan
Lei Tenorio
JJ Atalig
Robin Sapong
