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NMA readies for first regional meet in 15 years
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Posted on Dec 08 2005
Northern Marianas Athletics is currently pulling all the strings needed in preparation for hosting the first regional athletics meet in the Commonwealth in 15 years.
After constructing a state-of- the-art track and field facility, the CNMI was able to secure host rights to the 2005 Micronesian Athletics Championships, which will be held next week at the Oleai Sports Complex.
With over 100 athletes, dignitaries, and officials from Guam, the NMI, Kiribati, Marshalls, Palau, Federated States of Micronesia, and Nauru expected to take part in the event, NMA officials have been working hard making sure everything will be in tune.
Yesterday, officials held a small time trial at the host venue, focusing on prepping volunteers who will assist in officiating the various track and field events that will kick off next Wednesday.
“Without the volunteers, we won’t be able to make this work,” said NMA president Kurt Barnes. “You’re all just as important as the athletes and you all play very important roles in ensuring that the event goes smooth.”
Volunteers will assist NMA officials in various areas such as the call room, spotting of throws and jumps in the field events, timing in the run events, and many others.
NMA coaches director Elias Rangamar also explained that the meet serves as a key opportunity for volunteers to familiarize themselves with the proper way of officiating the various events in preparation for next year’s Micronesian Games, which will also be held on Saipan.
“We’ll be having some certification courses after this and you can get certified for the Micronesian Games,” he said.
Among the athletes who have qualified to represent the CNMI in the competition are Darrel Roligat, Tyrone Omar, Jack Kabiriel, Champ Untalan, Nate Mateo, Jacque Wonenberg, Bo Wang, Noriko Jim, Nick Gross, Dexter Dillay, Ronald Olopai, and Dolores Rangamar, among others. Bobby Winkfield serves as head coach and Robin Sapong as assistant coach for Team CNMI.
For more information, contact NMA coaches director Elias Rangamar at 664-2502, president Kurt Barnes at 235-5853, or treasurer Robin Sapong at 235-6500.
