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Athletic activities for evacuees today at Ada gym
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Posted on Sep 02 2004
With plenty of evacuees that are currently being housed at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium scheduled to move out on Saturday, organizers of next week’s track and field event that will be held for the children have moved the activities to this afternoon.
The DCCA employees, who normally tend to the needs of the Oleai facility and the athletic fields, have been working around the clock to provide whatever type of service that they can to help the temporary residents.
They recognized the children’s need for something to do, so together with the Northern Marianas Track and Field Federation, they have planned several activities for the children this afternoon, to include volleyball, tee ball, and a number of track and field events.
Over the course of the past few days, a consolidation of the shelters has begun, and many of the evacuees will be returning to their property, where they will live in tents until their homes can be properly repaired.
Although this has all been put together on rather short notice, the staff at the Oleai Sports Complex has received help from local businesses for the event. After canvassing the business community for assistance, some companies have come forward to lend a hand to these kids, though they have already been providing relief to other parts of the community.
To date, Famous Shoes donated 25 pairs of sneakers two days ago, the Pacific Trading Company has pledged to provide water and Gatorade for the children, and the Pacific Islands Club has donated an assortment of prizes for the event as well.
The athletic activities are slated to begin at the Oleai Sports Complex this afternoon, and any volunteers from the community will be more than welcome to assist the organizers.
The NMITFF is a non-profit organization and will be handling the event. For more information, or to make a donation, contact Eli Rangamar by calling 664-2508/3 or Brad Ruszala at the Saipan Tribune by calling 235-2440.
