Low T wins 2008 Labor Day Softball

Island spirit filled the Cheyenne Sports Complex in Las Vegas, Nevada for the 4th Annual Goodwill CNMI Labor Day Softball Tournament last Aug. 30 and 31.

The event was attended by approximately a thousand people, and several past, present, and future leaders of our island communities were in attendance.

All in attendance were transported to the Mariana Islands in Micronesia and hafa adai and si Yu’us ma’ase was echoed throughout the event.

Team Low T emerged as the winner of this year’s tournament. Players from the three different states of Washington, Oregon, and California made up the team and they were Kyle Taisacan, Tony Taisacan, Taula Peter, Tommy Kapileo, Akoni Kapileo, Tony Taisacan Sr., Jimmy Sablan, Mike Gumataotao, Pat Pua, Joe Tenorio, Pete Roberto, Wayne Atalig, and team manager Marco Peter.

Second place went to Chamlau, from the State of Washington. Team members were Whitney Kyota, Vincent Perado, Waldren Ngotel, Patrick Aldan, Albert Taimanglo, Duane Garcia, Frankie Vibar, Dave Brokaw, Limu Kelikoa, Oilong, and team manager Wilton Ngotel.

Third place went to Atdit from the State of Hawaii. Team members were Eric Palacios, Ben Jones, Jr., Angel Falig, Jr., Jeff Diaz, Jun Palacios, Ray Guerrero, Fuji Suel, Manny Salas, Mike Salas, Victor Salas, Angel Salas, Jr., John Tudela, Jordan Suel, Jason Neth, Jerry Ayuyu, Manny Sablan, Juan “J.D.” Diaz, and team manager Angel Demapan,

There were 17 total teams that competed for the championship title—Adaihao, Boise, ID; Antigu, San Diego,CA; Atdit, Honolulu, HI; Atmarao, Arizona; Chamlau, Washington; Da Bay, Bay Area, CA; Da Bay 2, Bay Area, CA; Isao, Las Vegas, NV; Island Boyz, Washington; Kmmnwlth, San Diego, CA; Low T, WA, OR, CA; Marianas Islanders 670, Seattle, WA; Natibu, Las Vegas, NV; Pac Chain, Boise, ID; Team Sufa, Saipan, MP; Trenchers, Salem, OR; and Tugong, Portland, OR.

“This tournament started over three years ago when a few like-minded individuals from different West Coast states realized the importance of maintaining connections, language, and heritage of the islands with extended family and friends who have relocated to the U.S. mainland for school and job opportunities. Being like-minded, the organizers felt that holding a softball tournament that would include teams from Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Saipan, and Washington, and the camaraderie associated with sporting events, would be the way to enhance the islanders’ continued sense of home and community. This was the birth of the Goodwill CNMI Labor Day Softball Tournament. In 2005, the inaugural event was held in Salem, Oregon, and each year thereafter the tournament has been hosted by different CNMI communities in other western cities,” said co-chairs Jolene G. Torres and John P. Schwarz.

The 2008 tournament was co-hosted by Las Vegas and The Bay Area (California) teams.

The Planning Committee was co-chaired by Jolene G. Torres, John P. Schwarz, and Carlos Sablan; secretary Tina Hofschneider; treasurers, Krissy Hayes and Vanessa Flores; food and beverage Lucretia Borja; field and logistics Jesse Tenorio, James Sablan, and Joe Torres; entertainment Patrick Reyes and Jeff Diaz; and hotel information Rowena D. Schwarz.

The committee is to be commended for their outmost hospitality and excellent planning. They provided a safe and comfortable environment, including ample supplies of chilled bottle water, restroom supplies, and the ever so popular island music that kept your energy high. High winds provided some thrilling moments as some spectators had to hang on to their pop-up canopies. The event ended with a very tasty island-style banquet that included five huge roasted pigs.

The committee wishes to thank the numerous volunteers and supporters for their generous donations of time and money that helped to make this tournament the success that it was.

The 2009 5th Annual Goodwill CNMI Labor Day Softball Tournament will be co-hosted by the teams from Arizona and San Diego, California, and will be held in San Diego. [B][I](Claudia DLG Fajardo Kaercher)[/I][/B]