Team Marianas members pose for a photo with their sponsors, Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang and Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez during a sendoff ceremony on Wednesday at the Ada gym.
Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang shares a few words with the local athletes headed to the 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara, the Solomon Islands.
THE NMI delegation is a week away from boarding their charter flight to Honiara, the Solomon Islands where they will compete in the 2023 Pacific Games from Nov. 19 to Dec. 2.
“This is it. We…are ready for departure. After months of training and preparing, our athletes and officials are all set to proudly represent our islands in the 2023 Pacific Games,” said Chef De Mission Nick Gross during a sendoff ceremony Wednesday at the Ada gym.
Team NMI consists of 102 athletes who will compete in athletics, bodybuilding, soccer, golf, va’a (outrigger canoe race), swimming, tennis, triathlon, volleyball and weightlifting.
Joining them in the sendoff ceremony were Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang, House Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez, sponsors Joeten Daidai Foundation, Triple J, IT&E, IP&E, Mobil, Tan Holdings, Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan, Tan Siu Lin Foundation, McDonald’s Saipan, the Northern Marianas Sports Association board of directors, as well as supporters and family members.
In his remarks, NMSA President Jerry Tan said: “Seventeen months ago, we were the host of the Pacific Mini Games. A lot of people said it was a very successful mini games, I think you would agree, and we were considered one of the best hosts of the mini games.”
In previous Pacific Games and Pacific Mini Games, Tan said the NMI could only send as many as 30 athletes.
But in last year’s mini games held on Saipan, around 150 NMI athletes competed, he said.
This year, he added, only 30 NMI athletes were expected to see action in the Solomon Islands, but thanks to a successful negotiation, a charter flight was brought in to accommodate over 100 local athletes.
If not for the charter flight, the NMI’s va’a team would have sent three athletes only, but instead will be sending 21, Tan said.
“This is thanks to our commitment and hard work,” he added.
Aside from the sponsors, Tan also acknowledged the athletes’ parents and families. The athletes have been training for a year in preparation for the Pacific Games, “but without the sacrifice of family time, it would not have happened,” he added.
Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang, in his remarks, said: “It is always a great pleasure to be able to recognize the dedicated athletes of the Northern Mariana Islands. We are thrilled to be sending off a large group to represent and put the NMI on the map of the competitive world of sports.”
Apatang added, “Don’t ever give up. We are so proud of you. We all want to see Team Marianas succeed. Good luck and bring some trophies back home.”
Gross said next week, Team NMI “will once again have a chance to display their skills, teamwork, grit, and sports knowledge thanks to the collaborative efforts of our national sports federations, and the support of your families, friends, and other valuable sponsors from the business sector.”
He said the team’s participation “has become a shared responsibility for individuals and groups throughout the NMI as our athletes — particularly our youths — compete in high-level competitions and experience unique cultures throughout our region. With that, I leave you with the NMI slogan, ‘Challenge, Celebrate, and Unite!’ ”
In his special remarks, long-time NMI athlete and a’a coach Jason Tarkong noted that the athletes and their families have sacrificed a lot to prepare for the Pacific Games.
The athletes, he added, will not be able to spend Thanksgiving at home.
“But we’ll have a great opportunity to compete against the region’s best,” Tarkong said.
NMI athlete and coach Jason Tarkong delivers his remarks during a sendoff ceremony on Wednesday at the Ada gym.
