Ronald McDonald fitting on a pair of running shoes

For years, McDonald’s has showcased efforts in giving back to the community.

The popular fastfood franchise has been assisting the Saipan Little League Baseball, and sponsors a team in the Major Division and the Mobil Oil Mariana Islands Co-ed Basketball League, as well as contributed in many ways to various sport events.

And McDonald’s Saipan is not through giving back to the community as it has committed to sponsoring the All Schools Track and Field Championships organized by the Northern Mariana Islands Track and Field Federation.

According to NMITFF official Robin Sapong, McDonald’s Saipan owner Joe Ayuyu recently agreed to handle the cost of buying trophies, medals, ribbons, T-shirts for officials, as well as bibs that will contain identification numbers for each athlete competing in the Championships, scheduled to take place on May 7 at the Oleai Sports Complex track and field facility.

“We are very grateful for the contributions by Mr. Ayuyu and McDonald’s to the event, which is our biggest every year. Many students, from the elementary level to high school, will take part in this, and the commitment to providing this assistance to the youth says so much about McDonald’s interest in helping out the community,” the NMITFF said.

Elementary, junior high, and high schools from Saipan, Tinian, and Rota will see action in the competition. The top three finishers in each event will each receive a medal, while the school with the most points in each age category will go home with the championship trophy.

Points will be based on the individual placing of school representatives in each event, with first place receiving 10 points. Second place receives eight points, third gets six points, fourth gets four points, fifth gets two points, and sixth takes two points.

Age categories include 9-and-under, 11-and-under, 13-and-under, and 18-and-under.

Due to an overwhelming number of athletes, the NMITFF has set time trials for the athletes on Saipan to try to qualify for the six slots available in each event in the finale. Two slots have been reserved for Tinian and Rota.

The trials began last Friday and will officially come to an end on April 29 after high school athletes make their final charge in the 400m, 800m, 4X400m and 4X400m relays, high jump, and javelin.

Also, the NMITFF announced that each athlete is allowed to compete in only four events. Athletes in the nine-and-under and 11-and-under age groups who participate in either the 800m or 1,500m events will be allowed to take part in two events only.

For more information, contact NMITFF developmental coach Elias Rangamar at 664-2502.