Tan named Administrator of the Year

Northern Mariana Islands Football Association president Jerry Tan receives the 2016 Administrator of the Year award. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

CNMI Hall of Famer Kurt Barnes summed it up perfectly in his nomination of Northern Mariana Islands Football Association president Jerry Tan for the 2016 Administrator of the Year why the latter earned the prestigious award.

“More than 10 years ago Jerry saw the need to bring international soccer to Saipan. His vision was one that would provide an opportunity for the CNMI to participate in world class soccer, secure a world class facility, provide soccer leagues for both genders in all age groups, and gain membership to the Federation of International Football Association. Jerry is achieving or well on his way of achieving these goals,” Barnes stated in his nomination letter.

“Under Jerry’s leadership, NMIFA organizes regular and year-round leagues, including outdoor, futsal, and beach soccer for all ages. These leagues are the best way to foster and nurture the growth of soccer in the local community. From 180 players in 2005, there are now over 1,000 soccer players on the island and Jerry is targeting to bring the number up to 3,000 in the next three years,” said Barnes, who incidentally was the recipient of the Administrator of the Year award in 2015.

NMSA’s voting members took Barnes’ words to heart and handed the 2016 Administrator of the Year to Tan as they also witnessed how the NMIFA head made significant developments in CNMI soccer in the last decade—particularly the acquisition of a lot in Koblerville that will soon house the Commonwealth’s first world-class soccer pitch and other facilities.

Humbled by the recognition, Tan said CNMI soccer’s successes in the last 11 years are products of a team effort.

“These did not happen only because of me, but because of the people and groups that have been helping NMIFA. I would like to share this award to our vice president Vickie Izuka, who has been with us since 2005, the present and past Executive Committee members, club officials and coaches, the parents, volunteers, and referees. I would also like to recognize EAFF, AFC, JFA, and GFA for the support they have been giving us,” Tan said.

The NMIFA president has received numerous awards in the past, but he considers this one from NMSA special.

“It’s my favorite because it comes from sports. I love sports,” said Tan, adding that administrators of other groups also deserved recognition for the hard work they put in for their respective federations.

“I know that they are doing their very best to provide programs to their athletes so I would like to share this award to them, too,” he said.

The chairman of the 2021 Pacific Mini Games Oversight Committee at the same time challenged officials of the CNMI sports community to keep promoting athletics competition.

“Let us continue to provide opportunities for our athletes, especially for our youth. Help them improve their skills and continue to live a healthy lifestyle by actively participating in various sports.”