NMI Men’s National Football Team member Ruben Guerrero is welcomed by his family members at the Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport on Sunday night.
NMI swim team members and officials pose for a photo after receiving a warm welcome at the Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport on Sunday night.
An NMI athlete receives a warm hug from a family member upon arrival at the Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport on Sunday night.
(Northern Marianas Sports Association) — Team Marianas received a warm welcome from their families, friends, and supporters, and members of the local sports community as athletes and officials returned home Sunday night after competing in the 2023 Pacific Game in Honiara, the Solomon Islands for two weeks.
Banners bearing the names of athletes and teams greeted the returning NMI delegates while hugs were exchanges, and leis, flowers, and other gifts were offered to the athletes. Every time athletes or officials came out of the door in the arrival area of the airport, the crowd gathered outside gave them a round of applause.
“We, parents, are all excited to welcome them back. We are all proud of them for what they have accomplished in the 2023 Pacific Games,” said Yulia Aleksenko, mother of swimmer Isaiah Aleksenko, who brought home a gold medal and a bronze in individual events and added two more bronze medals in relay races.
“At the same time, we are also relieved that they are finally home. We know there were challenges and tough conditions in the Solomon Islands, but they all endured them. Thank you to the coaches, the team officials, and their fellow athletes, for staying together and looking out for each other,” said Yulia.
NMI Bodybuilding and Physique Federation President Dee Clayton was also part of the big welcoming group at the airport and was pleased that both their representatives did well in the competition. Christina Tudela came home with the gold medal in the model physique category, while Davy Laxa got a bronze in the men’s under 65kg class.
“It’s been a while since we last sent representatives in the Pacific Games in the bodybuilding event, so I am so proud that we just did not compete, but we also won medals. We’re here at the airport during the sendoff and also at the welcoming event to show our full support to our delegation,” Clayton said.
Team Marianas chef de mission Nick Gross led the delegation, which left Saipan on Nov. 15 via a Solomon Airlines charter flight. They then spent more than two weeks in Honiara and competed in athletics, beach volleyball, bodybuilding, football, golf, soccer, swimming, tennis,
“I sincerely thank each of you for your commitment to Team Marianas and your patience and support over the last few weeks,” Gross told the athletes. “I am proud of our showing and your ability to overcome the obstacles and stay focused throughout. It has truly been a pleasure to work alongside you and lead Team NMI. Rest, recuperate, and enjoy knowing that we gave it our all. Spend some time assessing your individual performances and drawing up a plan to improve where needed, for the next opportunity to compete and represent is just over the horizon. Biba NMI!”
Northern Marianas National Paddle Sports Federation President Justin Andrew, who was part of the delegation and served as manager of the va’a team, was overwhelmed with the welcome they received from families and friends.
“We’re surprised to see a lot of people and the banners, this is a very nice gesture,” Andrew said. “Now, we will get much-needed rest and then work on our programs again.”
NMSA President Jerry Tan, Vice President Ray Tebuteb, Treasurer John Hirsh, and board member Alex Sablan also greeted the NMI delegation as they returned home Sunday night.
“We are so proud of what our Team Marianas athletes and officials have accomplished in the 2023 Pacific Games,” Tan said. “They did not only do well in their respective competitions by winning medals, but the entire delegation have also shown sportsmanship, resilience, teamwork, and respect for their competitors and the host country,” he added.
Team Marianas’ participation in the 2023 Pacific Games was made possible by the strong support of the Joeten Daidai Foundation, Triple J, Crowne Plaza Resort, IT&E, IP&E, Tan Siu Lin Foundation, Mobil, Tan Holdings, and McDonald’s.
NMI swimmer Isaiah Aleksenko is all smiles as he and his fellow swimmers are greeted by family members at the Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport on Sunday night.
