NMIVA names board members for new season

After implementing a successful season of events that allowed local leapers an outlet to express their talents, the Northern Mariana Islands Volleyball Association has already begun preparations for the next round of bumps, sets, and spikes by voting in its board of directors.

With the rapidly approaching 2006 Micronesian Games, athletic organization throughout the region are preparing for the important international competition, and with the help of president Jon Cramer, vice president Taula Peter, secretary Steve Nguyen, and treasurer Sia Dela Cruz, NMIVA will help to form the framework of both the indoor and outdoor volleyball guidelines.

According to Nguyen, seats on the board of directors were open for change during Tuesday’s officer’s election at the Pacific Islands Club, and while the turnout was less than expected, the voices of the NMIVA members were clear.

Entering his first term as NMIVA president is longtime Saipan resident and volleyball veteran Cramer, who has been on the forefront of the local scene—organizing tournaments across the island for several years.

His second in command Peter is no stranger to the indoor and outdoor volleyball either, and he returns to his post as NMIVA vice president to continue to further perpetuate the sport in the CNMI.

Also returning to the board of directors is Steve Nguyen, who’s passion to unite the indoor and outdoor volleyball players continues to progressively take the organization to new heights in its second year.

Along with Cramer comes fellow first time board member, NMIVA treasurer Fausia Maui Dela Cruz, who will utilize her talents both on and off the court to keep the ship in tip-top shape.

With the new leadership in place, the focus of volleyball’s governing body in the Commonwealth has shifted toward ensuring both another successful season of games indoor and on the beach, as well as to provide the structure for their sport’s inclusion in the 2006 Micronesian Games next Summer.

In its first year in the Marianas, NMIVA sponsored the 13th Marianas Cup Beach Volleyball Festival at the Pacific Islands Club, the Jam Attack indoor volleyball tournament, BSEA/Rudeger Outdoor tournament at Micro Beach, and a series of qualifying tournaments which led to sending Mili Saiki, Melissa Halaby, Nan Intharaluk, and Donn Dunlop to compete in the 2005 South Pacific Mini Games in Palau.

Now setters and spikers are looking to give the region a taste of local indoor and outdoor volleyball, and Nguyen said his aim is to get as many players involved in the group as possible.

“We have a lot of talent out here and only 45 members. We want to kick-start this new season by inviting indoor and outdoor volleyball players from Saipan, Rota, and Tinian to come join NMIVA. There is a lot of great local talent here and it is my hope that we foster and assist these players to learn and improve their game,” he said.

For more information about NMIVA or to become a member, contact Nguyen by calling 234-0522 or via email at soundsticks@gmail.com.