Summertime Goodwill abounds

While several of the CNMI’s finest athletes are busy preparing for the South Pacific Mini Games in Palau and the Asia-Pacific Tournament in both Tinian and Fukuoka, Japan, it was only a matter of time before the people working hard to send them on their way get into the swing of things as well.

This evening marks the third year in a row that the tenants of the Commonwealth Ports Authority will compete in the Goodwill Games in tests of strength, endurance, and fun.

Participants hailing from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Saipan Stevedore, Pacific Oriental Incorporated, Saipan Shipping, Toyota Car Rental, Pacific Airport Services (PAS), Hertz Rent-A-Car, LSG Lufthansa, Continental Micronesia, Cargo Express, CTSI, and the CPA will vie for their laurels in several sports and recreational activities.

According to chairman of the 2005 Goodwill Games Jordan Kosam, the teams will get the three-day affair off and running tonight with the darts and billiards events at 6pm. The mini-archers will aim for the bull’s eyes at Da Place Sports Bar in Garapan, while the billiards players will meet at Bud’s Bar in Garapan.

After a good night’s rest, the teams will resume competition at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium tomorrow morning at 8am for volleyball, before the hoopsters take the same stage at 10am for basketball. Following a well-deserved lunch break, the softballers will assemble upon the long-ball launch pad of Tan Ge Field at 1pm, and the bowlers will let the good times roll at the Capitol Bowling Center at 6pm.

The shankers, slicers, and strikers will come together on the event’s final day to tee it up at the LaoLao Bay Golf Resort at 6am for the final activity of the Games, and the entire cast of competitors will retire to the Minatchom Atdao Pavillion at noon for the awards banquet by the sea.

“The Goodwill Games started three years ago for employees to boost camaraderie, morale, and to add a new dynamic to the relationships that we share with our business partners. We expect to have a great time in all of the events, and look forward to forging stronger bonds with our friends and neighbors,” said Kosam.

Last year’s games came to a close with a three-way tie between the TSA, CPA, and Saipan Stevedore, but the true spirit of the games leaves everyone involved feeling like a winner.