CNMI walking group welcomes Amemiya back

Marianas Walking Association (formerly Saipan Walking Association, Inc.) welcomed former director Hiroko Amemiya back in a luncheon meeting Sunday, remembering her contributions to the group.

“Hiroko had been a very supportive and outstanding director for SAIWAI, introducing the program to our valued Japanese market,” MWA board director Mario Espeleta said.

Amemiya spent 14 years on Saipan, helping boost the CNMI’s tourism market by bringing in Japanese to walking events and other fun activities. She was also active in sports, having played indoor volleyball and having represented the Commonwealth to the doubles competition in the 1990 Micronesian Games. Amemiya teamed up with 2004 NMASA Hall of Fame Irene Alpet in giving the CNMI a bronze medal in lawn tennis.

“Those were the days and I missed them. When I was here, I get to work with great people and at the same time play various sports. It was a good life,” said Amemiya, who left Saipan in 2005 to be with her mother.

She returned here last week to help Taga, Inc. to organize the 20th Tagaman Triathlon and reconnect with her MWA friends.

“It’s nice to be back, to see the same committed people I worked with. I definitely missed them and missed Saipan life, its beautiful and unspoiled beaches and warm people. Unfortunately, I could not stay long, as I have to return to Japan and attend to work commitments, but my heart will always be here,” said Amemiya, who returns to Tokyo today.

Amemiya, a former guest loyalty program manager for Pacific Islands Club, said after he left the island in 2005, she managed to return to Saipan once every year during the Tagaman Triathlon.

“I am thankful to PIC and Taga, Inc. for bringing me back on Saipan at least once every year to experience the fun and camaraderie among those involved in Tagaman,” she said.

Midway at the welcome luncheon, MWA presented Amemiya with souvenir T-shirts from two events the group had early this year.

Joining Espeleta in presenting T-shirts to Amemiya were Pacific Development, Inc.’s Yoichi Matsumura and Marianas Visitors Authority’s Hiroko Tenorio.

The group also briefed Amemiya about two events next month—the Sophia Walk on May 2 and World Walking Day on May 10.

“I wished I could join them next month, but I will be with them in spirit,” Amemiya said.