Financial aid programs will allow the CNMI to send at least four individuals to the biennial event.
The International University Sports Federation (FISU) has a help program “which pays air fare and per diem for two athletes and a coach or administrator,” Northern Marianas Islands Sports Association President Michael White told Variety.
This allowed both Wong and Mancao to join the 2011 Universiade in Shenzhen, China. This was the CNMI’s first time to compete in a FISU-organized event.
Recently, the Oceania University Sports Association — an associate member of FISU — instituted a program providing an additional $5,000 to member countries within its zone.
That includes the CNMI.
“This will cover most if not all of the cost for us to send two additional athletes to the 2013 UniGames,” added White.
Nominating an eligible athlete will be up to local sports federations.
“If more than four are nominated, the NMASA Board will have to make final selections, and if necessary, decide how costs are to be allocated,” said White.
Wong had earlier joined five events under swimming while Mancao competed in road cycling at Shenzhen.
Technically, there is no limit to the athletes representing the CNMI.
The only “restraint” is cost said White.
