Bud Cup, Rotary meetings today

All teams interested in participating in the upcoming 2005 BANMI Budweiser Cup and the 2005 Saipan Rotary Summer Youth Basketball League must have a representative present for a meeting today at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium conference room.

According to league coordinator Abner Venus, teams in the Bud Cup must attend the mandatory meeting set at 5:30pm.

Venus said that teams must also submit their $900 entrance fee during the meeting. Also to be discussed are rules and regulations, as well as uniforms and the kick-off date.

The league was originally scheduled to tip off on June 29, but Venus said officials will have a discussion about the date with the participating teams.

Earlier, league official Elias Rangamar disclosed that the league would enforce BANMI’s no pay-no play rule.

Confirming their return to defend their crown is two-time champion Toyota, which will be competing against Ol’Aces II, Nissan Titans, and Wells Fargo.

BANMI 25-and-under Basketball League powerhouse SaipanCell-NMC Hoopaholics, 69ers, and Bud Kings may also compete in the league.

Meanwhile, the Rotary meeting will be called to order at 12pm and will also serve as the deadline to submit all requirements imposed by the league.

Among the requirements are the age verification documents, entrance fee, and waiver forms.

Entrance fee paid via check must be made payable to the Division of Sports and Recreation, which heads the organizing responsibilities of the league.

Age verification documents may be copies of birth certificates, passports, or driver’s licenses.

Also to be discussed are coaching clinic sessions for all coaches involved in the league.

League officials Mario Sablan and Jovie Omar also added that the regular season schedule will be issued during the meeting.

So far, 18 teams have already showed interest in competing in the 18-and-under cage league, including the San Antonio Sixers I and II, G-Rollers I, II, and III, Matansa Sparks, Ol’Aces, Tanapag Warriors, Toyota Camry, the Junior National Team, Hoops, Bwibwis, Capitol Hill Breeze, Saipan Southern High School, Saints, and another team from San Antonio. The newest members include Kagman and the G-Super Sonics.

All players listed on the team roster must not turn 19 years old before Sept. 30, 2005.

Organizers stressed that teams failing to pay the entrance fee will not be allowed to play until clearing the requirement.

The 18-and-under cage league is slated to unfold on June 27.

For more information on the Budweiser Cup, contact Venus at 287-5911 or Rangamar at 664-2502. Rotary league information can be attained from Rangamar or Omar at 664-2502.