THE 2022 Pacific Mini Games Organizing Committee held a press conference Wednesday to thank its sponsors.
“On your mark, get set, 23 days to go! It’s really exciting to have you guys as sponsors [of] the biggest ever sports event in the NMI,” organizing committee CEO Ben Babauta said in his remarks.
“We have entered a crucial last phase of preparation for the mini games,” he added. “With only three weeks to go before the opening ceremony, the ongoing preparation and readiness of the games…is indebted to the hundreds of people who have demonstrated their determination to make this event successful and showcase our island pride, our spirit and commitment…. We would like to thank all business sponsors for being part of the legacy of the Northern Marianas Pacific Mini Games 2022.”
He added, “Not only will this be the first time that the NMI will be hosting the Pacific Mini Games, but it will be the first time that athletes will be staying in hotels, the first time beach volleyball will be played at an actual beach, the first time that the track & field has a brand-new surface, and first time that outrigger will be out in the lagoon where all spectators will be able to watch.”
Organizing committee Chairman Marco Peter said the preparation for hosting the games usually takes about seven years, but despite setbacks such as Super Typhoon Yutu and the Covid-19 pandemic, the NMI managed to do it within a year and six months thanks to sponsors.
Merlie Tolentino, executive director of Tan Siu Lin Foundation, a platinum sponsor of the games, said: “On behalf of the Tan Siu Lin Foundation, we are very happy to be part of this very big event right after the pandemic. We are always happy to help and thank you very much for allowing us to be a part of this. We hope we have fun watching all our athletes — good luck!”
Jomari Pico, assistant general manager for Saipan of the DFS Group/T Galleria, another platinum sponsor, said: “I know over the past two years we’ve been faced with many challenges, but we’ve always been very supportive in terms of the economy, tourism and the community itself.”
Babauta said the sponsors have provided over $320,000 in cash and over $700,000 in in-kind donations.
The mini games’ platinum sponsors are Joeten Daidai Foundation, T Galleria and Tan Siu Lin Foundation.
The gold sponsors are Docomo Pacific, IT&E, Northern Marianas College, Turnkey Solutions, Atkins Kroll, Marpac, Fishguyz, Glorified City Limited and E-Land Group.
The silver sponsors are NMTech, Shaded Rentals, Triple J, Bank of Guam, McDonald’s Saipan-Guam, and Mobil.
The bronze sponsors are Grandvrio, Aqua Resort Club, Chong’s Corporation, Herman’s Modern Bakery, Saipan Ice & Water, Islander Rent A Car, First Hawaiian Bank, Star Marianas Air, Micronesia Air Cargo Services, Saipan Stevedore Company, and the Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands.
The sportsmanship sponsors are Pacific Insurance Underwriters Inc, Saipan Shipping Company Inc., Tokio Marine Pacific Insurance, RNV Construction, Kalayaan Inc., LSG Lufthansa Service Saipan Inc., Cepeda Tent Rental, EST Rental, Hwang Jae Corporation and Matson.
The sponsors of the Northern Marianas Pacific Mini Games 2022 and organizing committee officials and members pose for a photo at the conclusion of a press conference held Wednesday in the Ada Sports Complex conference room.
Northern Marianas Pacific Mini Games 2022 CEO Ben Babauta speak during a press Wednesday in the Ada Sports Complex conference room.
