Volunteers for Micronesian Games sought

Only a handful of weeks remain before an estimated 1,400 athletes and coaches descend upon Saipan for the 6th Micronesian Games, and organizers are calling for the community to support the games the way it did when the CNMI welcomed the region in 1990.

According to Volunteer Committee chairperson Frances Sablan, the first volunteers meeting is scheduled for tomorrow night, May 4, at 6pm at the Minatchom Atdao Pavilion along Beach Road across from the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

Sablan said that the meeting will focus on a number of key issues to include the introduction of all volunteers, the handling of the registration forms, venue assignment, expectations, T-shirt sizes, passport photos, and more.

All prospective volunteers are asked to bring two passport photos for the certification of all volunteers, and those who did not complete and submit a MG 2006 Volunteer Registration Form will be required to do so and return it via fax or e-mail to Sablan

While a number of volunteers have already pledged their services, Sablan is asking for more selfless individuals interested in hosting the best athletes from Micronesia to step up and lend a hand next month.

One of the events that require a little expertise is the Chamorro Dance Performance that will thrill spectators during the Opening Ceremonies on June 23. Practice sessions for interested youths (K-12) begin this Saturday, May 6, from 1-3pm at the Kilili Beach Pavilion.

Uniforms will consist of the traditional-style Sadi (loin cloth) for males and coconut bra and grass skirt for the females. Sablan also needs approximately 30 students from each school, both public and private, to wear their school colors and matching pom-poms to cheer the athletes as members of the Pep Squad when they parade by at the track.

Aside from the actual Games themselves, Sablan said that she is also looking for 20 volunteers to help with registration, spotters, and the banquet setup for the fundraising Micronesian Games Golf Tournament and 5K Fun Run and Walk at 7am on May 27 at the Laolao Bay Golf Resort.

In addition to the Micro Games, Sablan is also looking for volunteers for this weekend’s Ayuda Fun Run. The Marianas Visitors Authority will be hosting the 5K race this Saturday, May 6, and the organizers are looking for an additional eight volunteers to assist with the water stations and the registration process.

For more information about becoming a volunteer for the Micronesian Games or any of the other events, contact Sablan by calling 234-3462 or via email at efsablan@pticom.com.