SAIPAN, 23 NOVEMBER 2020 (MARIANAS VARIETY) – Amid countless setbacks, the latest of which being the Covid-19 pandemic, the Pacific Mini Games that were supposed to be held on Saipan in June 2021 have been postponed for a year, Pacific Games Council chief executive officer Andrew Minogue told the Northern Marianas Sports Association last Thursday.
Minogue joined the NMSA general membership meeting held at Fiesta Resort via videoconference.
He said the Pacific Games Council had been working with NMSA for the past few months to look into the possibility of holding the games late in 2021, but added that they eventually agreed on a 12-month postponement.
“The coronavirus was a key part of that decision and [another] important reason why we had to consider moving the games is because the Olympic Games in Tokyo have been effectively postponed to mid-2021,” Minogue said.
“On behalf of my board and my membership I would like to thank (Gov. Ralph DLG Torres), and (NMSA president) Jerry (Tan) and the (rest of the) NMSA team for retaining their commitment to host the Pacific Mini Games in 2022,” Minogue added.
“Many of you have seen that, around the world, similar events are being cancelled or postponed indefinitely, and the easy decision would have been to cancel the games altogether. But your governor, other government officials and the sporting family of the CNMI fully understand the importance of hosting the next games.”
Minogue added, “It’s a postponement and not a cancellation and we look forward to 2022.”
He said the Pacific Games Council also postponed the general assembly that was supposed to be held on Saipan in September but was rescheduled for November.
Minogue hopes that at some point in the second half of 2021, they will be able to bring Pacific Games Council members to Saipan so they can witness the preparations that the CNMI has been making.
Before Minogue’s announcement, NMSA presented a video of its hard work in revitalizing the Oleai Sports Complex, from the exterior cleaning and replacement of equipment and clearings of rooms, to new paint and flooring.
