In a letter sent by Norfolk Island Pacific Games Association’s Secretary General Milton Bradley to his colleagues he stated, “It is with much regret, that faced with our current financial position and in full consultation with our Government, we the Norfolk Island Pacific Games Association wishes to advise that we have sadly withdrawn our bid for the 2017 Mini Pacific Games.”
With the withdrawal of the Norfolk Island, three nations are left to compete for bidding rights; the three nations include the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands, Vanuatu, and Nauru.
“We therefore look forward to the presentations from the remaining, Pacific Games Nations of Nauru, Northern Marianas and Vanuatu at the Pacific Games meeting in September. The Norfolk Island sends our best wishes to the candidate nations for what promises to be an exciting competition,” Bradley added.
Although Vanuatu is proposing more sports events than the Northern Mariana Islands, their bid consists of a per diem of $50 per day. The Northern Mariana Islands’ per diem is $30 per day.
Vanuatu has hosted the games in the past. Since this is the first time that the Northern Mariana Islands has submitted a bid proposal to host the Pacific Mini Games, it is very optimistic in securing said bid.
The Northern Mariana Islands propose to host athletics, soccer/football, golf, swimming, tennis, canoe, beach volleyball, men’s baseball, sailing, triathlon, and indoor volleyball.
The executive and legislative branches including leaders from the private sector have expressed their full support. The bid will be awarded during the 2011 Pacific Games at the council meeting to be held on Sunday, September 4, 2011.
A site visit will be scheduled for July and will be conducted by the Pacific Games Council President, Vidhya Lakhan and the Executive Director, Andrew Minogue.
A delegation will be sent to present the CNMI’s proposal at the council meeting. The delegation will consist of Governor Benigno Fitial, Michael White, Rose Igitol, and Emelinda Cabrera.
The Northern Marianas Islands will be competing in the men’s golf category, men’s and women’s beach volleyball category, and men’s and women’s athletics for the upcoming Pacific Games this Aug. 27 through Sept. 10. There will be about 15 CNMI participants at the 2011 Pacific Games.
Registration for the 2011 Pacific Games is on-going. The NMASA registration deadline is June 15, 2011. NMASA is still waiting for the names of the athletes that will be participating at the 2011 Pacific Games.
