Tingting, Chaba, and Palau delay Labor Day

Around the same time last year, the untimely visits of typhoon Tingting and super typhoon Chaba caused a rash of damage throughout the CNMI and resulted in several sporting events to either be postponed or cancelled. This time around the 2005 South Pacific Mini Games in Palau are to blame for the postponement of a number of local sporting events to include this year’s annual Labor Day Games.

The recreational events for public servants of the Commonwealth that were meant to strengthen bonds and add some inter-office rivalries will have to wait at least another month.

According to committee member Liz Palacios, the games that were slated for this weekend are being rescheduled due to a deluge of sporting events and a shortage of athletes.

“There’s just too many events going on, so we’re pushing [the games] back because of conflicting tournaments and the Mini Games,” said Palacios.

The first victim of the games was the softball competition, as both of Saipan’s major importers will be hosting tournaments that will occupy the Dan Dan Softball Field and Tan Ge Softball Field in Oleai from Friday, July 15, until Sunday, July 17.

“A lot of the sports staff [with the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs] will be in Palau for the Mini Games and we need their assistance preparing the field as well as opening up the gym, refereeing the basketball and volleyball games. I think we’re gonna push back everything until Saturday, Aug. 6, and Sunday, Aug. 7.

Palacios said that the lords of the longball will tentatively get underway during the opening weekend, while the volleyball portion will take place at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium on Saturday, Aug. 13 and Sunday, Aug. 14, and continue the following weekend with basketball on Saturday, Aug. 20, and Sunday, Aug.21.

“According to the sports staff, we are assured that these dates are okay to play. We need to get this out of the way because Labor Day is coming out soon,” said Palacios.

The committee member added that there is a long list of activities that could be entered into the competition such as golf, bowling, darts, billiards, but that austerity measures have limited what the agencies will be able to provide.

“We can still offer them, but only if we can get at least 10 or more teams to sign up, and the ones that do will have to fund them through their own departments or their own pockets,” said Palacios.

Whenever the games finally get started, and whatever additional events make the cut to the final list, Palacios said that all of the departments are out to unseat the DCCA from their two-year grasp on the perpetual trophy.

For more information about the 2005 Labor Day Games, contact Palacios by calling 235-9889/9890.