2006 Micro Games may move to Palau, Guam

The CNMI may have to give up the hosting of the 2006 Micronesian Games due to lack of funds and other vital reasons, according to Northern Marianas Amateur Sports Association president Michael White.

White told those in attendance at the NMASA monthly meeting last Thursday that because of financial struggles, the NMI might have to pass on the hosting, which Guam and Palau are interested in grabbing.

“Palau is interested and Guam is interested,” White told representatives of the various sports federations. “Palau and Guam, from what I’m hearing, are both claiming that they can put the Games on this year. I’m not going to speak as to how the CNMI would be perceived if we give up the Games. I don’t want to address that at a public forum.”

White read out a report by Department of Community and Cultural Affairs public information officer Catherine Anderson, which stated that Micronesian Games Organizing Committee chair Daisy Villagomez-Bier is currently assessing two major areas relating to the Games—funding and organizational progress.

The report indicated that funds have not yet been appropriated for the operations of the event, which White said would cost about $750,000.

“$600K is estimated to be recoverable from athletes per diem fees but this money will not be available until the arrival of athletes on island,” White quoted the report from Anderson. “The CNMI will be responsible to cover the estimated $150,000 remaining and any upfront cost for the Games.”

According to White, the status of fundraising for the hosting was not reported at the two previous organizing committee meetings, and Villagomez-Bier is seeking an update from the responsible subcommittee.

“She has also met with a couple local business men who are interested in spearheading fundraising for the Games,” White said.

The new CNMI projected revenue estimates for this fiscal year are down from $213.6M to $198.5M. In this regard, the organizing committee will meet tomorrow, Feb. 6 and make a determination on the CNMI’s true financial capability to host the Games this year.

“We can’t do this without the government and if [Villagomez-Bier] isn’t satisfied that there is a realistic possibility that we’re going to be able to host the Games then we’re not going to host the Games,” White said. “This decision is in all probability going to be made [tomorrow], whether we host the Games or whether we give it back.

The Games was originally to be held in Yap, however, damage to facilities caused by typhoons resulted in the Micronesian Games Council putting the hosting up for grabs. The CNMI jumped at the opportunity to host the Games last August and was granted the hosting.

The Games is expected to feature 1,500-1,700 athletes from around the region competing from June 23 to July 7.