THE Joeten Daidai Foundation announced on Thursday that it was donating $100,000 to the 2022 Pacific Mini Games which the CNMI will host on June 17-25.
At a press conference in the Joeten Motors showroom, Joeten Daidai Foundation Executive Director Patty Palacios said, “I’m overjoyed and so proud that our islands [are] hosting the Pacific Mini Games….”
She added, “It is important for the Joeten Daidai Foundation to help support and promote our islands by encouraging health and wellness through the Mini Games. This is such an amazing opportunity to showcase our islands’ pride.”
She noted that the Mini Games will inspire the younger generation to maintain an active lifestyle, and also help the local economy.
“With [athletes from] about 20 countries coming in, they will be shopping, dining and visiting [establishments],” she added.
She also said that the foundation’s donation wouldn’t be possible without the pioneering efforts of the late businessman Jose “Joeten” C. Tenorio and his wife Soledad “Daidai” T. Tenorio.
According to the managing director of Joeten Enterprises, Norman Tenorio, the Mini Games are the biggest international event happening in June.
“Our donation is somewhat substantial for one organization, but we look at it as an event that will showcase our islands — Saipan, Rota and Tinian. And also, as a United States territory, I feel very strongly that [the games will] showcase how we have developed our economy…. I would [also] like to thank everyone, especially the volunteers and the organizers of the Pacific Mini Games, because without them, this would not be possible.”
Northern Marianas Pacific Mini Games CEO Vicente “Ben” Babauta said a $50,000 check will be provided to the visiting athletes as part of a care package that includes a donation from the Hotel Association of the NMI.
“We’re preparing a really nice arrival gift,” Babauta said.
For his part, the chairman of the organizing committee, Marco Peter, extended his gratitude to the Joeten Daidai Foundation.
“On behalf of Ben, myself and the games organizing committee, we are humbled by Joeten Daidai’s donation. It has stepped forward for the historical event that is going to be happening in the Marianas. Not only today, but even in the past, Joeten Daidai and the Joeten family have always supported the community. We thank you — you are part of history, and we look forward to a very successful Mini Games.”
Joeten Daidai Foundation officers pose for a photo with 2022 Pacific Mini Games organizers, local sports and other officials in the Joeten Motors showroom Thursday.
Joeten Daidai Foundation Executive Director Patty Palacios, center, announces their $100,000 donation as platinum sponsor of the 2022 Pacific Mini Games in the Joeten Motors showroom Thursday. Also in photo are Norman Tenorio, managing director of Joeten Enterprises, left, and Northern Marianas Pacific Mini Games CEO Vicente “Ben” Babauta, right.
