Marianas to get stiff competition

The Marianas is currently competing with Hong Kong and South Korea as possible training sites for athletes prepping for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics.

William Tucker of Tucker and Associates, however, disclosed Tuesday that despite stiff competition from the two, his recent assessment on Saipan and Guam revealed several factors that may be favorable in attracting teams to the Marianas.

Tucker said his communications with the National Governing Body of various sports from the U.S. Olympic Committee has resulted in positive feedback and reactions about possibly using facilities in the Commonwealth and Guam during their acclimating training before the Beijing Games.

“We made all of them aware that the feasibility study was taking place and they all have expressed an interest in receiving information once the feasibility study is completed,” he said. “Yes, we received a very positive reaction.”

Among the positive feedback from the U.S. bodies are the fact that the Marianas is a U.S. territory; the English language is used everyday by many; the islands use U.S. currency; there is a sizeable military; the islands are isolated, which is good for security as well as less distractions compared to other areas.

Tucker also noted that NGB officials stressed to him they prefer not to take the teams into a different culture “because that’s a distraction.”

“These Olympians…they’re all good and any little edge they can get helps them,” he said. “[So] if they go to Korea, for instance, there’s the language adjustment, and also adjustment with food, currency, and all these things can have these kids’ heads swirling because they’re not accustomed to all these. Those distractions, they [the lack of it on Saipan] are an advantage for us here.”

Another “plus” for the Marianas is that airlines are authorized to charter flights directly into Beijing, which would take away the disruption of transits and layovers.

“I think we have a lot to offer, we just got to get the message out,” he said.

Meanwhile, Tucker explained that as a result of meeting with the NGBs, swimming officials traveled to Guam last week and visited possible training sites.

“There’s a constant trek of executives from the various NGBs and the National Olympic Committees from all the countries going into Beijing, and they’re looking at things and meeting with the China Olympic Committee, so we suggested to the NGBs in the U.S. that they just stop over here on the way into Beijing and take a look at the facilities,” he said.

Aside from U.S. teams, Tucker said other targets include teams from Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Australia, however, may not be attracted due to their proximity to Beijing.

Tucker also disclosed that secondary targets include South American countries such as Brazil and Argentina, among others.

Facilities are feasible

Tucker’s assessment revealed that the sports facilities in the Marianas could attract Olympic teams.

The facilities include the state-of-the-art track and field oval in Oleai for athletics and the Marianas High School Gymnasium for basketball and volleyball. Other gyms may also be used for wrestling.

Tucker also indicated that the Kan Pacific Swimming Pool in Marpi could also be used for synchronized swimming, while the Francisco M. Palacios Baseball Field and the softball field at the Oleai Sports Complex may be used as well. He, however, indicated that the sites need to be improved.

He said that the expected construction of more tennis courts and an Olympic-size pool at the American Memorial Park would make things more attractive, explaining that Team USA’s diving coach had expressed interest in the Marianas.

“The diving coach told me that ‘if you could show me a high diving tower on Guam or Saipan, it would be a dream come true. I would take them there,’” he added.

Tucker said because the government has indicated it would build the pool, all that is needed is the specifications of the diving boards, the tower, and the depth of the pool.

“There’s no question we would attract some teams if that could be completed,” he said.

He further indicated that two sports—wrestling and weightlifting—said all they need are a gym, mats, and excess weights, which are currently available.

Meanwhile, alterations would be needed to the beach volleyball courts as well as softball and baseball fields.

“I think with the facilities you have and what’s suppose to be built, and just some cleaning up and fine tuning of some, you could attract a capacity,” he said.