NMASA backs move to make Saipan training site

The Northern Marianas Amateur Sports Association is backing efforts to use Saipan and Guam as acclimating training sites for athletes set to compete in the 2008 Summer Beijing Olympics.

In a resolution unanimously passed late last year by its membership, NMASA said that it is encouraging the government—elected officials and government agencies—to “pursue the establishment of the Northern Mariana Islands as a training venue for the United States Olympic Team’s preparation for the 2008 Olympiad.”

NMASA noted in the resolution that having the islands host U.S. athletes bound for Beijing would give the U.S. Olympic Committee a secure training environment within the U.S that minimizes travel time and time zone adjustments for their athletes prior to competition.

The governing sports body of the CNMI also enumerated the myriad of benefits the Commonwealth would get from hosting the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team before their stint in Beijing and they are the following:

-The free promotion of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands as a tropical sports-oriented destination which would not otherwise be possible without the expenditure of tens of millions of dollars.

-The promotion of sports within the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, particularly to the youth, through hosting of many of the world’s finest athletes.

-Millions of dollars in revenue for businesses and the accompanying tax dollars associated with accommodating and entertaining a large number of athletes, coaches, trainers, medical personnel, USOC staff, security staff, family, and friends.

-Upgrading of our islands’ sports facilities including pools, gyms, fields, courts, locker, and shower facilities, administration, etc. through USOC or other grants.

NMASA also believes that the efforts to promote the Commonwealth as a training site is the best opportunity for the islands to gain international, particularly Asian, exposure, giving its tourism industry a big boost, as well as help improve its sports facilities.

The resolution also said hosting top-caliber athletes would also serve as inspiration to the islands’ youth.

Tucker & Associates, an international consulting company contracted by the CNMI and Guam governments to undertake a feasibility study of the proposal, has recommended the islands as acclimating training sites for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

The company said it has submitted the recommendation to the National Olympic Committees of the U.S., Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, Argentina, Brazil, and Australia.

Tucker & Associates has also briefed members of a number of the National Governing Bodies of Olympic sports about the feasibility study touting Saipan and Guam’s suitability as Olympic training sites.

William Tucker, chairman of Tucker & Associates, and Fred Radewagen also spent a few days on Saipan and Guam last year to survey the sports facilities on both islands and sent the recommendations to both governments as well as officials of the Northern Marianas College and University of Guam.