Another Micro Games run fundraiser possible in May

With the success of last Saturday’s Micronesian Games Supporters Club 5K Run/walk/Crawl, the Micronesian Games Organizing Committee might hold another similar fundraiser on May.

This according to publicity committee chair Bob Coldeen, who said during an interview yesterday that he will introduce the idea to the MGOC during its meeting this evening.

“A lot of people enjoyed it so much that they asked for another one,” Coldeen said. “I’m going to bring this up on this meeting tomorrow [Tuesday], but I hope we have more of the athletes who are going to be playing in this Games. They can run or walk. We’ll do another one in May and hopefully get more athletes to show up, but I’m happy with the turnout…$840 is significant.”

A total of 77 individuals participated in the fundraiser, and despite not taking part of the 5K event, several others were just interested in supporting the Games by purchasing T-shirts, brining the total number to 84.

“A lot people were buying shirts and didn’t run, but they wanted to sign up any way so I’m up to 84,” he said.

Coldeen added that although he was pleased with the turnout of the CNMI men’s national basketball team, triathletes, swimmers, and track and field athletes, he hopes to see more athletes who will be participating in the Micro Games come out and take part in the fundraisers.

“It was really encouraging to see men’s basketball, swimmers, and triathletes, but at the same point I was kind of disappointed that there were no baseball players, no softball players…some of the athletes I wished would’ve come out,” he said. “It was good exercise, it was in the morning, it was a beautiful day. I wish more athletes would come out and support…the Games is for them.”

Coldeen added that the fundraisers serve as an opportunity for individuals to extend their support to the Games.

“There are some businesses that are contributing a lot, but not everybody can afford to give a lot of money, so this was a chance for individuals who don’t have a lot of money but would like to support the Games, this was an opportunity for them,” he said.

The longtime sports enthusiast also expressed his positive reactions to the many youths that participated in the event.

“I was also encouraged by the number of little kids who showed up and these Games are also for the youth…it gives them goals and something to look forward to. It’s something to encourage healthy living and healthy lifestyle and for these reasons, that’s why I think a 5K is very appropriate, and I just like to see so many of the young people turn out.”

The course for the event was designed to keep participants within the park.

“A lot of this fun runs were on the road and very competitive. This one was designed to go through the Park, around the Bell Tower, around the flags, next to the river. It was inside the park and a unique course. Most of it was in the shade so it was scenic…next to the boats, next to the beach, going next to the creak, so it was scenic route.”

Coldeen added that the course resulted in slow times turned in by participants. However, he stressed that the main goal was showing support.

“Times were slower of course because it wasn’t on a track or on a road, so times are going to be slower but that wasn’t the point. The point was to go out and help the Micro Games and at the same time help yourself,” he said.