7 delegations confirm for Micro Championships
Northern Marianas Athletics disclosed during its meeting Thursday that seven delegations expected to compete in the 2005 Micronesian Athletics Championship have already confirmed their arrivals.
NMA treasurer Robin Sapong indicated that bulk of athletes and coaches would arrive on Dec. 13.
Sapong said Palau would be first to arrive with 13 athletes, coaches, and officials, while the Federated States of Micronesia arrives with the same number delegates at 8:30am. The Guam delegation, which comprises of 25 athletes and coaches, will arrive at 5:30pm, while the 13 athletes and coaches from the Republic of the Marshall Islands are scheduled to arrive at 7pm. The last group to arrive are from Kiribati and Nauru, which both comprise of 13 athletes and coaches as well. The group arrives at 8:30pm.
The competition will be held on Dec. 14 and 15, beginning at 3:30pm on both days. All coaches must attend a mandatory meeting at 9am on both days. Events include 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1,500m, shot put, discus, and long jump, among others.
The CNMI is being allowed three competitors in each event and qualifying trials are being held monthly to determine the squad, which will be coached by Bobby Winkfield. The first trial was held on Oct. 1 at the Oleai Sports Complex track and field facility.
Meanwhile, NMA officials are currently working relentlessly in preparation for the competition and the hosting of the over 100 athletes, coaches, and officials from the region. Committees have been set up to accommodate all the needs to host the event, which is sanctioned by the IAAF, the world governing body for athletics.
NMA also extends an invitation to all individuals interested in assisting and volunteering during the competition. A meeting will soon be set where all volunteers will meet with officials and go through a brief training course to prepare for the event.
For more information or to volunteer, contact NMA president Kurt Barnes 235-5853, Elias Rangamar at 664-2502, or Shan Seman at 235-2440 ext 140.
