CNMI commits to hosting Micro Games

The week was filled with much activities, but taking the spotlight again was the CNMI’s push to host the 2006 Micronesian Games.

Representatives from several of the Commonwealth’s sporting associations were on hand Tuesday afternoon as Gov. Juan N. Babauta signed a letter that officially announced the CNMI’s intent to host the Games.

Among those in attendance to witness the signing were members of the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs, Northern Marianas Islands Volleyball Association, the Saipan Major League Baseball Association, Saipan Swimming Club, and Historical Preservation Office, who applauded as Babauta inked the letter in the Executive Conference Room atop Capitol Hill.

In his letter to the Micronesian Games Organizing Council, Babauta said that the CNMI will form an organizing committee of its own in an effort to “bring together all the public and private sector resources necessary to conduct the Games so that they will be a truly memorable and enjoyable celebration of sport in the Micronesian region” as soon as the MCOC confirms that the games have been awarded to Saipan.

CNMI is expecting a reply regarding confirmation before the end of the month.

The Micro Games, if held on Saipan, will be take place from Friday, June 23, to Friday, July 7.

Meanwhile, the Northern Yankees and Ford Rangers were not able to take the field for Game Two of their best-of-five championship series after wet weather throughout the week drenched the Francisco M. Palacios Baseball Field.

The CNMI Junior League All Stars also returned to home soil after competing in the Junior League World Series in Taylor, Michigan, while netters Tim Quan and Ralph Buenaventura completed their charge in the 2005 Oceania Closed Junior Championships in Lautoka, Fiji.

Southern Sonics’ Rowel Aranda was recognized as the current leading scorer of the Saipan Rotary summer Youth Basketball League, averaging 29 points per game, while the Garapan Rollers I and San Antonio Sixers I posted blow out victories.

Also, Danny Robles became just the fourth bowler in CNMI history to record a perfect game, the Saipan Fishing Association was forced to reschedule the 21st Annual Saipan International Fishing Tournament due to hazardous surf, while action in the Masters and MDX basketball leagues continued. (with Brad E. Ruszala)