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MGC responds to Fitial letter
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Posted on Feb 25 2006
The Micronesian Games Council in Palau confirmed receiving the letter sent by Gov. Benigno R. Fitial on Friday informing the body that the CNMI is willing to host the 6th Micronesian Games this summer.
In a response to Fitial’s letter, MGC president William Keldermans said the MGC looks forward to the action to be held in the CNMI while adding that the hosting will serve as a plus for the ailing economy.
“With the strong support and commitment of the private sectors, volunteers, and local sports committees of the CNMI, I strongly believe that the games will be a success and will provide economic and social benefit not only for all Micronesians but to the community of the CNMI,” Keldermans said. “Again, congratulations and we look forward to meeting you and all Micronesian teams at the 2006 Micronesian Games in CNMI beginning June 23, 2006.”
Keldermans’ letter was also sent to Palau President Tommy Remengesau, as well as the Palau Senate, all Micronesian Games Council member countries, the Palau National Olympic Committee, and all presidents of all sports federations in Palau.
Fitial, who requested a financial plan from the local Micronesian Games Organizing Committee, was presented the report Friday morning. After reviewing the report, the governor gave the green light for the hosting of the quadrennial event, and made his official announcement during his weekly press conference on Friday.
Two weeks ago, the Fitial Administration announced that the CNMI will not host the Micro Games due to lack of funds and poor leadership. A week later, athletes and officials from various sports in the CNMI held a rally at the Governor’s Office, at which point Fitial was promised a financial plan that would be prepared within a week.
The MGOC met last Tuesday night at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium, with committee heads and sports federations representatives submitting estimated budget for operations of the event to finance committee chair Rex Palacios.
The Micronesian Games was originally set to be held in Yap, however, destructive typhoons resulted in the MGC awarding the Games to the CNMI last September.
As reported earlier, the Micro Games will now be held from June 23 to July 3.
