No. 6 Return to the diamond, basketball courts, and the ring

This year saw the full swing return of different sports leagues after a long break due to the COVID-19 pandemic—the Saipan Baseball League, a full calendar of leagues by the Northern Marianas Islands Basketball Federation, and combat sports.

The return of sluggers to the diamond, ballers to the court, and fighters to the ring this year was met with excitement by athletes and the community alike—and a whole calendar of sports ensured more physical activity, the utilization of facilities, and more things for family and friends to do.

TanHoldings sponsored the return of the Saipan Baseball League and saw its first full season since 2018, with the undefeated Cardinals taking the championship last August.

Last April also saw Kiana “Baby K” Camacho make history when she became the first woman in SBL history to play in the league when she suited up for the Blue Jays against the Braves.

The NMIBF, led by president James Lee, is currently hosting 3×3 tourneys as a chance for CNMI athletes to represent in the 3×3 FIBA Cup in Singapore next year. Throughout the year and since the opening of a newly renovated Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium, they have hosted other leagues such as the “Mich” Ultra Cup Men’s Islandwide Basketball League and the return of the Inter Gov’t/Business League.

Trench Warz Promotions also recently kicked off the return of combat sports in the CNMI with the “Ring of Fire” boxing and kickboxing event that pitted CNMI and Guam athletes.