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Sister state proud of Team CNMI
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Posted on Aug 07 2005
KOROR, Palau—After earning a total of 31 medals during their stay in Palau for the 2005 South Pacific Mini Games, not only did the CNMI delegation earn respect from many other countries in the region, the team also earned a friend in sister state Governor John Skebong.
Skebong recognized the efforts of every member in the delegation during a farewell party hosted by sister state Ngaremlengui, and commented that being the official sister state of the CNMI delegation is something that means a lot to him, especially because he lived in Saipan during his younger years.
“I really appreciate Team CNMI for coming here and competing in the Mini Games,” he said. I do hope that next year, we see each other in Saipan. I hope to have some responsibilities for Team Palau to Saipan for the Micronesian Games. Saipan is like my home, so I like Saipan very much and that’s why I pushed to be the sister state for CNMI.”
Skebong, who was a student at Hopwood Junior High School, stressed that all from the CNMI are welcome to his home.
“Saipan is my second home,” he said. “Don’t forget that this house is yours, and Saipan is mine. When you come to Palau, make sure you don’t miss this house. It’s very close to the highway…you know where you can find me,” he told the CNMI delegation.
Majority of the CNMI athletes and officials are already back on home soil, with the bulk of the delegation arriving Saturday morning on two flights.
Team CNMI earned 26 medals in swimming, a bronze in table tennis, two gold and a bronze in aquathon, and a silver in wrestling.
