Isaiah is NMI flagbearer for Pacific Games

National team swimmer Isaiah Aleksenko was chosen as Team Marianas’ flagbearer for the Pacific Games that will be held in Honiara, Solomon Islands from Nov. 19-Dec. 2.

The hour-long sendoff ceremony was attended by the over 100 members of the delegation, sponsors, Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang, Rep. Edmund Villagomez (Ind-Saipan), Northern Marianas Sports Association president Jerry Tan and NMSA members, Public School System interim Education commissioner Donna Flores, and family, friends, and supporters of the team that filled up the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium Wednesday night.

The delegation’s chef de mission, NMSA board member and PSS Athletics director Nick Gross, introduced each team member in all the 10 sports represented, the team’s many sponsors, and the team’s flagbearer.

The 10 sports Team Marianas is competing in are swimming, athletics, golf, weightlifting, soccer, bodybuilding, va’a, triathlon, tennis, and beach volleyball.

After the event, Marianas High School senior Aleksenko said he was happy and thankful for the appointment as the team’s lone flagbearer.

“It felt good to be chosen and I was nervous because there were a lot of people. But I’m happy that I get to be the flagbearer,” he said.

He added, “It’s a pleasure to be the flagbearer, so thank you. I thought it wasn’t just going to be me. I thought there were going to be more chosen from each team, so yeah it was unexpected.”

For the upcoming competition, he said he’s excited, hopes everyone does well, and wishes them the best of luck. Personally, he’s expecting to bag at least three gold medals in his competitions.

He was one of two 2022 NMSA Student Athletes of the Year and he also won the award in 2021.

Aleksenko was part of the NMI Triathlon Team that won the bronze medal in the 2022 Northern Marianas Pacific Mini Games.

During the ceremony, speeches were made by Gross, Tan, Apatang, and national va’a coach/athlete Jason Tarkong.

Gross, as the emcee, welcomed everyone and thanked everyone for their support.

“We have arrived, and we are ready for departure. After months of training, and preparing our athletes and officials, all are set to proudly represent our islands and the 2023 Pacific Games,” he said.

Gross congratulated the athletes on a great performance in the 2022 Pacific Mini Games and told them, “Next week, you will once again have a chance to display your skills, teamwork, and sports knowledge thanks to the collaborative efforts of the international sports federations and thanks to the support of families, friends, and other valuable sponsors. Team Marianas’ participation in the Games has become a shared responsibility for individuals and groups throughout NMI, as our athletes, particularly our youth, compete in high level competition and experience unique cultures of our region.”

He then went on to recognize the sponsors of the team, who each stood up and were met by rounds of applause. The sponsors were Joeten DaiDai Foundation, Triple J Saipan, IT&E/IP&E, Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan, Mobil Oil Mariana Islands, Tan Siu Lin Foundation, TanHoldings, and McDonald’s of Guam & Saipan.

For Tan’s welcoming remarks, he acknowledged all the sponsors and said that without them, the charter flight that is flying the huge delegation would not be possible. He added that with the success of Team Marianas in the 2022 NMPMG, which had a big delegation of athletes, he knew that NMI could not send just 30 athletes to represent in the 2023 Pacific Games.

He went on to acknowledge Apatang and the delegates, as well as NMSA board members.

He also acknowledged the family members in attendance. “The athletes have been training for over a year in preparation for next week’s departure. I know they sacrificed some family time, so without their support, they would not be here.”

He added that the Games will also be live-streamed online so that people back home will be able to watch and cheer for them.

In Apatang’s speech, he said, “It is always a pleasure, for Governor [Arnold] Palacios and I, to be able to recognize these dedicated athletes from the Northern Mariana Islands. We truly appreciate Team Marianas for the glory you continue to bring upon our islands.” He also thanked coaches, parents, sponsors, and supporters of the team.

Apatang ended his speech with, “We all want to see Team Marianas succeed. Good luck to you and bring some trophies back home. I know you’ve been working hard for over a year, and now you just have to keep your heads up and be proud to represent the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas. Good luck and enjoy.”

Afterwards, there was a photo-op for the athletes and the sponsors, then the athletes and NMSA board members, then families and supporters came out to take selfies and group photos with the team.