‘Biggest turnout for 4th IDUS event’

The 4th Annual International Day of University Sport organized by Northern Mariana Islands College Sports last Sept. 20 was a successful one, said IDUS program lead Denise Myers.

Held at the Oleai Sports Complex every Sept. 20, the fourth edition was “extremely successful being our biggest, most energetic, and most engaged event yet! We had over 100 people who signed in and significantly more joined in the festivities,” said Myers.

This year’s event, according to Myers, had record attendance, diverse participation, positive spirit, generous support, exceptional event management, and collaborative efforts.

“We hope that it not only promoted the importance of health and wellness through sports but also demonstrated how sports can make a community better by fostering unity and inclusivity,” said Myers of the event’s purpose.

Throughout the event, an array of sporting events showcased the talents of Northern Marianas College students and community members.

The sports showdown ranged from intense games of ultimate frisbee and volleyball, to heart-pounding soccer matches, spikeball showdowns, and captivating athletics competitions—including long jump and a relay race—every moment radiated with the unwavering spirit of the participants.

“The celebration embodied the idea that sports go beyond competition; they are an integral part of a student’s holistic development. The health, well-being, and valuable experiences that students gain from participating in sports play a pivotal role in shaping them into active and engaged members of our global society. The presence of both seasoned athletes and newcomers at this year’s IDUS celebration exemplified the ability of sports to enhance the experience of all participants, evident through the smiles and laughter among those both young and old,” said Myers.

She added, “Each year we try to grow the event, both in engagement and diversity of activities. In hopes that it will continue to inspire students and the community to excel both in sports and in their academic endeavors, fostering active lifestyles, ultimately making our community healthier and stronger. Save the Date Friday Sept. 20th 2024!”

Myers then thanked FISU (International University Sports Federation) Oceania, whose essential funding played a pivotal role. “Their unwavering dedication to promoting university sports and fostering a strong sense of community was indispensable in making the NMC IDUS celebration a triumph. This funding allowed us to provide an array of sport and wellness-related prizes, such as water bottles, various sports equipment like paddles and balls, and experiences like yoga classes and paddleboarding,” she said.

She also thanked Angela Bernal, event organizer and NMC student, for her tireless efforts and exceptional event management skills.

Myers then thanked the Northern Marianas Sports Association (NMSA), NMC Volleyball Club, Northern Mariana Islands Football Association (NMIFA), Saipan Ultimate, Northern Marianas Athletics (NMA), and NMC for “their collective expertise, resources, and unwavering dedication ensured that this celebration reached its full potential.”