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Senate urges Fitial to reconsider Micro Games
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Posted on Feb 23 2006
Sen. Luis Crisostimo pledged yesterday to throw in $20,000 for the 6th Micronesian Games, as the Senate adopted his resolution urging the administration to rescind its withdrawal from hosting the games in the Northern Marianas.
Crisostimo said he was willing to dig into his own money, if there were no available funds from the budget of his office.
Senate President Joseph Mendiola asked his fellow lawmakers to see if they could help fund the Micro Games, whether by offering cash or providing in-kind support.
This took place as the Senate voted unanimously to adopt Senate Joint Resolution 15-3, asking Gov. Benigno R. Fitial to rescind his cancellation letter to Micronesian Games Council president William Keldermans and to host the games in the CNMI.
Fitial had backed out from hosting the games, citing the Commonwealth’s economic problems and lack of adequate planning as reasons.
The Senate resolution however listed the benefits of hosting the games, which were last held in the CNMI over 15 years ago.
“The privilege of hosting this quadrennial event is highly sought after amongst the island nations in Micronesia with expected visitor arrivals exceeding 2,000 people including athletes, their families, and spectators,” read a portion of the resolution.
“The hosting of the games would be a boon to our local economy bringing in an estimated $2 million to hotels, restaurants, car rentals, and small businesses in the community,” the resolution added.
Furthermore, the resolution said that, having the games in the CNMI would boost the morale of local athletes and help promote healthy lifestyle among the local residents.
