CNMI Little League District Administrator James Ada and Saipan Little League’s Walter Macaranas met with concerned parents and players at Gilbert C. Ada Gym last night to inform them of the financial problems that may prevent all four divisions of the NMI All-Stars from going to Indonesia.
The junior, senior and big league tournaments will be held in Jakarta while the majors division will play in Surabaya also in Indonesia.
Ada said, their program requires $157,000 to fund the players’ trip to Indonesia. This also covers their meals, lodging, and other needs.
Macaranas stated that 30 percent of the funding will be distributed among players from the major division who will go to Surabaya.
Variety learned that some government officials vowed to meet with the Gov. Benigno R. Fitial today to ask for his help.
They will try to help come up with at least $50,000 for Little League All-Stars.
Macaranas also said the reservations with Wings Travel Agency have been complicated by the financial setbacks.
A total of 72 All-Star players are set to leave for Indonesia by Thursday this week, and the lack of fund for the trip will risk their participation in the tournaments.
