By James Sablan
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Variety News Staff
IN an inspiring testament to community spirit and athletic grit, Northern Marianas Athletics has officially announced the return of the NMA Open Track & Field Meet 2026, scheduled for June 18 and 19 at the Oleai Sports Complex, with action kicking off at 5 p.m. each evening.
This year’s meet carries significance far beyond the medal podiums. As Saipan and the wider CNMI continue to recover from the devastation of Super Typhoon Sinlaku, the athletic showcase is being positioned as a rallying point for the islands.
Under the banner “Rise Up. Let’s Run, Jump & Throw!,” the open meet is designed to promote active, healthy lifestyles while reinforcing the community’s resilience. Organizers are extending an inclusive invitation, welcoming men, women, and masters athletes (aged 30 and older) to compete together.
NMA has released a tentative schedule featuring a mix of sprints, distance events, and field disciplines.
On June 18, opening-day events begin with the long jump across all divisions at 5 p.m., followed by the 60m (masters), 800m (men’s and women’s), 100m (men’s and women’s), shot put (men’s, women’s, masters), and concluding with the 5000m races (men’s and women’s).
The following day begins with the discus throw (men’s, women’s, masters) at 5 p.m., followed by the 110m hurdles (men’s and women’s), 200m (men’s and women’s), 1500m (men’s and women’s), javelin (men’s, women’s, masters), and the 4x100m relay (men’s and women’s).
The open meet aims to bridge the gap between recreational athletes, masters competitors, and elite national team members.
Spectators can expect a competitive field, with local athletes who recently represented Team NMI at regional championships using the meet to fine-tune performances on home soil, while the masters division keeps veteran athletes at the center of the action.
Registration will open online soon, and the schedule remains tentative and subject to confirmation.
James Sablan has been a sports reporter for Variety since 2013. He was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College and covers all local sports.
