White hopes to send large delegation for 2011 Games

Unlike the 2007 Pacific Games in Samoa, the Northern Marianas Amateur Sports Association hopes to send a large contingent to the 2011 edition of the quadrennial event in New Caledonia.

NMASA president Michael A. White in a email to the Saipan Tribune noted that the CNMI stands a good chance to better the five-team delegation it sent to Apia last year in the Noumea Games three years from now.

“Cost is always a factor. However, travel and per diem costs for the Noumea Games will be significantly less than they were for Samoa in 2007 or the Cook Islands next year, so I am hopeful that we will be able to send a large delegation to represent the CNMI,” he said.

In the 2007 Pacific Games in Apia, the CNMI sent five athletes-Tyrone Omar of athletics and beach volleyball players Mark McDonald, Tyce Mister, Nina Mosley, and Melissa Hallaby.

During the last Nov. 19 briefing made by NC2011 president Pascale Bastien-Thiry, NC2011 protocol director Helen Court Wabete, and Pacific Games Council secretary general David Boyd, White also said that the New Caledonia organizing committee may also help the CNMI out by enlisting its flag carrier, Air Caledonie, to arrange charter flights to the region.

The Commonwealth sports body's head also extended his thanks to Bastien-Thiry, Wabete, and Boyd for flying all to way to the North Pacific to discuss their plans for the 2011 Pacific Games not only with NMASA but also to the sports governing bodies of Guam and Palau as well.

“I was very pleased that officials of NC2011 took the time and expense of traveling all the way to the CNMI to brief us on preparations for the 2011 Pacific Games. New Caledonia has shown that it has the capability and will to put on a truly outstanding event,” he said.

NC2011 will organize 12 compulsory sports in the 2011 Games, namely athletics, weightlifting, swimming, basketball, table tennis, soccer, tennis, rugby, golf, vaa, volleyball, and badminton.

In addition, NC2011 will also host 18 optional sports that would be determined by the number of entries.

NC2011 expects all 22 countries of the Pacific Games Council to take part in the Games. It also looks forward to hosting 3,500 athletes-5,000 including officials-in three years time.

The organizing committee is also prepared to spend about $16 million for the hosting of the Games. That price tag does not include the construction of 38 venues and sporting facilities for the 15 days of competition.
(Saipan Tribune)

All-Stars take badminton tourney lead

The Green All-Stars gained their second straight win to claim the solo lead in the 2nd Traders Insurance Badminton Team Tournament Sunday at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

The All-Stars, who won their debut against the Blue Powers by only two points, 4-2, played better on Day 2 crushing the Smash Killers, 5-1.

After two days of competition, the All-Stars now have a 9-3 record while the Smash Killers dropped to a three-way tie for third.

The Smash Killers had a rousing start, whipping the Red Dragon Shuttlers, but on Day 2, only team captain Macoi Aguda won, topping Edwin Montoya in the men's A singles, 21-14, 21-16.

The Green All-Stars drew victories from the pairs of Jojo Savellano-Gerry Balarao, Roding Domingo-Debra Fisher, Savellano-Lupe Sabino, and Balarao-Lea Estinopo.

The tandem of Savellano-Balaro topped Robert Reyes-Paul Navarro in the men's doubles BB, 20-22, 22-20, 22-20.

In the mixed doubles CB, Domingo and Fisher defeated Andrew Galvez and Lucelle Lampera, 21-12, 13-21, 21-19, while Savellano teamed up with Sabino to outclass the pair of Ariel Mariano and Elna Curate in the mixed doubles BC, 21-15, 19-21, 22-20.

In the last doubles match-the BB mixed doubles-Savellano and Estinopo thwarted Marlene Peraja and Reyes, 21-9, 21-17. Fisher recorded the Green All-Stars fifth win after downing Marlene Peraja, 21-12, 21-5, in the women's B singles.

Also nailing their second win were the Gray Hawks, who handed the Blue Powers their second straight loss, 4-2.

The victory put the Hawks in solo second place with an 8-4 record.

The Red Dragon Shuttlers and the Bad Masters, who dropped their opening games, recovered in Day 2 to share the No. 3 spot with the Smash Killers.

The Shuttlers thumped D' Bombers, 5-1, to improve to a 6-6 record.

Marilyn Montano recorded D'Bombers' lone win on Day 2, slipping past Gigi Zapanta in the women's B singles.

With D' Bombers having only one win on Day 2, they dropped to a 5-7 record.

The Net Fighters and the Blue Powers are at the bottom of the team standings with identical 4-8 slates.

Action in the Northern Marianas Badminton Federation-organized tournament will resume this weekend.
(Saipan Tribune)

Smash Killers nearly sweep day 1

The Smash Killers were the biggest winners on Day 1 of the 2nd Traders Insurance Badminton Team Tournament Saturday night at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

The Macoi Aguda-captained Smash Killers were paired with the Red Dragon Shuttlers with the former cruising to an easy 5-1 victory.

Providing the wins for the Smash Killers were the pairs of Elna Curate-Andrew Galvez, Robert Reyes-Paul Navarro, Lucelle Lampera-Marlene Peraja, Aguda-Lampera, and Aguda-Navarro.

The tandem of Curate and Galvez prevailed over Malou Mendoza and Luis Camacho, 16-21, 21-10, 22-20 in the mixed doubles CC division; Reyes-Navarro defeated June Pineda and Sherwin Samson, 21-16, 19-21, 21-18 in the men's doubles BB; Lampera-Peraja topped Gigi Zapanta and Mendoza in the women's doubles BB, 21-10, 14-21, 21-5; Aguda-Lampera downed Hapi Gabriel and Mendoza in the mixed doubles AB, 21-16, 23-21; and Aguda-Navarro defeated Gabriel-Samson in the men's doubles BB, 21-17, 11-21, 21-15.

Pineda and Zapanta gave the Shuttlers their lone win in opening day after outclassing Ariel Mariano and Peraja in the mixed doubles BB, 21-15, 17-21, 21-17.

Also prevailing in their opening day assignments were the D'Bombers, the Green All-Stars, and the Gray Hawks.

D' Bombers whipped the Net Fighters, 4-2.

The Bombers won the women's doubles BB, men's doubles BB, and the mixed doubles AB and BB. The Net Fighters took the men's doubles BB and the mixed doubles CC.

The Gray Hawks ruled the mixed CC and AB and the men's doubles AB and BB to beat the Bad Masters, 4-2.

The Green All-Stars nailed similar 4-2 triumph over the Blue Powers winning the mixed AB and BB divisions and the men's AB and BB categories.

Each squad will have 36 remaining games in the round-robin tournament and the team to earn the most wins after seven playing days will take the championship.
(saipan tribune)

Traders Insurance Badminton Team Tournament starts

Hostilities in the 2nd Traders Insurance Badminton Team Tournament began Saturday night at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

The opening day pairings were the Gray Hawks vs. Bad Masters, D' Blue Powers vs. Badminton All-Stars, Smash Killers vs. the Red Dragon Shuttlers. and D' Bombers vs. Net Fighters.

The eight participating teams played the mixed doubles game first, followed by the men's singles, and men's and women's doubles.

Playing for the Gray Hawks in the opening day for the mixed doubles event were Annette Ta and Marvin Pullan, Bad Masters had the tandem of Irene Santiago and Louie Cielo, Malou Mendoza-Louis Camacho for the Shuttlers, Pauline Cielo-Keno Pablo for the Net Fighters, Riza Cano-Alfred Acosta for D' Blue Powers, Lupe Sabino-Roding Domingo for the Badminton All-Stars, and Merlie Tolentino-Puy Macario for the D'Bombers.

Results of the mixed doubles matches were unavailable at press time.

The eight squads will be playing in a round-robin format with the team with the most wins after seven games gaining the championship.

A win in each match will give a team one point. Six points are at stake per playing day.

Meanwhile, this year's team tournament organized by the Northern Marianas Badminton Federation kicked off with the parade of teams and a Best in Uniform competition.

The Red Dragons Shuttlers claimed the Best in Uniform award.

CNMI sports supporter Jerry Tan was among the judges in the Best in Uniform contest and delivered a brief message to participants.

Also making remarks at the opening ceremony was Traders Insurance president Lito Mendoza, who reiterated his company's support to badminton tournaments.

The Traders Insurance tournament is also supported by Shirley's Coffee Shop, Pacific Quick Print, Coral Ocean Point, PTI, Sun Palace Hotel, Wear-A-Marconi, Tropex, Dollar Days, and Labtech International. (saipan tribune)

Shuttlers' team tourney unveils today

The 2nd Annual Traders Insurance Badminton Team Tournament will kick off today at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

Eight teams will be battling for the championship as they play in mixed double, men's singles, and men's and women's doubles events,

Before the games, an elaborate opening ceremony will be held at 6pm with the eight squads participating in the traditional parade of teams.

A Best in Uniform award will be given. Selection for the best in uniform will be based on the creativity of team name, logo design and relevance, layout of design, and general impact.

Division of Sports and Recreation director Joe Lizama will be the opening rites' guest speaker. Joining him is Jerry Tan, who recently donated shuttlecocks for the tournament.

Northern Marianas Badminton Federation president Marconi Calindas will deliver the opening remarks, while a representative from tournament major sponsor Traders Insurance will also address the participants and guests.

Lizama will lead the ceremonial opening serve.

The eight teams that will fight for the championship are the Net Fighters of team captain Ed Sikayun, the Badminton All-Stars of Edwin Montoya, D'Blue Powers of Roger Vales, D' Bombers of Eric Pena, Bad Masters of Calindas, Red Dragon Shuttlers of Happy Gabriel, Lito Mendoza of the Gray Hawks, and the Smash Killers of Macoi Aguda.

Each team has one A-level player, three B-level players (men's), two B-level players (women's), and two C-level players (one each in the men's and women's division).

There will be six events per playing day and the tournament will have a round robin format. A point will be awarded for a win and the team with the highest points will be declared champion. The top three teams will be awarded trophies and other prizes

NMBF thanked the following for supporting the tournament: Jerry Tan; Shirley's Coffee Shop; Pacific Quick Print; Coral Ocean Point; PTI; Sun Palace Hotel; Wear-A-Marconi, Tropex; Dollar Days; and Labtech International.(Saipan Tribune)

Traders Insurance team tourney set to fly

The vastly improved skills of the island's badminton players will be put to the test starting this weekend when the Northern Marianas Badminton Federation holds the Traders Insurance Badminton Team Tournament at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

This weekend's tournament will be a first for Saipan's shuttlers since they attended a clinic conducted by Oceania Badminton Confederation regional development manager Tony Mordaunt last month.

“A lot of our players have shown significant improvement after attending Tony's clinic. Now it's time to put into practice what they have learned from Tony,” tournament committee head Macoi Aguda said.

NMBF president Marconi Calindas added they are looking forward to a balance competition in the tournament, as players, whose skill level are on top of the field, are evenly distributed among the eight participating teams. NMBF also held a draft to select the eight members of each squad.

“This will be an exciting and much competitive tournament,” said Calindas, who added that umpires skills will also be tested this weekend after they went through similar clinics with Mordaunt.

The Traders Insurance-sponsored tournament will run from Nov. 22 to Dec. 14 with games to be played every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Each team will have one A-level player, three B-level players (men's), two B-level players (women's), and two C-level players (one each in the men's and women's division).

The tournament will have competitions in the mixed double, men's singles, and men's and women's doubles.

The eight teams that will battle for the championship are the Net Fighters, the Badminton All-Stars, D'Blue Powers, Bad Masters, Red Dragon Shuttlers, Gray Hawks, Smash Killers, and Team Yellow.

Meanwhile, Traders Insurance handed over a $2,000 donation for the NMBF tournament.

Aguda received the check from Traders Insurance general manager Ernesto Licop during the brief press conference at Trader's office in Beach Road, San Jose Village yesterday.

Joining Aguda in the ceremony were several NMBF officials.

“We thank Traders Insurance for their continuing support to badminton. Their donation is very much appreciated especially at this time when most of the businesses are experiencing financial problems,” Aguda said.

“Traders Insurance is committed to help any organization which promotes physical fitness, camaraderie, and sportsmanship. We are looking forward to a successful tournament. To the participants, have fun and do your best to win,” Licop said.
(Saipan Tribune)

NMB-Traders team tourney holds draft

With the Traders Insurance Badminton Team Tournament a couple of weeks away, organizer Northern Marianas Badminton Federation held a draft last Saturday to determine the makeup of the eight teams taking part in the competition.

NMBF president Marconi Calindas said that the eight participating teams will be known by their colors-Black, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, Gray, Red, and White.

He said each of the teams will have their team captains who are Grade A players, while the rest of the squads will be composed of three Grade B women, one Grade B in men, and one to two Grade C for men and women.

“The drafting was held successfully and each team captain expressed excitement while drawing for members. The group is now excited for the tournament to kick off on Nov. 22,” said Calindas.

The Black team will be led by captain Joseph Santos and his players will be Pauline Cielo, Keno San Pablo, Shirley Kim, Cheng Saturno, Alvin Alvarez, Ric Bue, and Angeline Ito.

The Blue team, meanwhile, will be made up of Riza Cano, Alfred Acosta, Ingrid Sanchez, Elma Labuson, Mario Diola, Victor Regis, June Padua, and skippered by Roger Vales.

Edwin Montoya spearheads the Green team and his players are Lupe Sabino, Roding Domingo, Christy Villaflor, Lea Estinopo, Gerry Balarao, Jojo Savellano, and Debra Fisher.

Constituting the Yellow team, headed up by Eric Pena, are Puy Macario, Merlie Tolentino, Marilyn Montano, Emily Vargas, Aries Montano, Arnel Bansagale, and Camille Samonte.

Calindas himself will captain the Orange team and his players are Irene Santiago, Louie Cielo, Babes Cielo, Ana Rose Omori, Gary Bandoja, Daniel Macario, and Dorie Pineda.

Lito Mendoza will lead the Gray team that is composed of Annette Ta, Marvin Pullan, Janis Parcon, Loida Ito, Saul Gargallo, Obet Aguilar, and Lani Bartolome.

The Red team will have Hapi Gabriel at the helm and he will have Malou Mendoza, Louis Camacho, Ana Alvarez, Malou Malasarte, Sherwin Samson, June Pineda, and Gigi Zapanta helping him.

The White team, made up of Elna Curate, Andrew Galvez, Marlene Peraja, Lucelle Lampera, Robert Reyes, Paul Navarro, and Ariel Mariano, will then look up to captain McCoi Aguda for leadership.

The Traders Insurance Badminton Team Tournament will be played Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

Calindas said three companies and individuals have already signed on as minor sponsors of the annual badminton-fest, which has Traders Insurance serving as its main sponsor.

“We would like to thank minor sponsors such as Jerry Tan, PTI, and Shirley's Coffee Shop Susupe. We are still looking for more minor sponsors to help us out in the event,” he said.

For more information on the upcoming tournament, contact membership committee head Hapi Gabriel at 287-4274. (Saipan Tribune)

Traders Insurance Sponsors NMBF Team Tournament

Traders Insurance Company will once again sponsor this year's badminton competition now dubbed the Traders Insurance Badminton Team Tournament.

Traders Insurance, one of the leading providers in the CNMI of non-life insurance and surety products, has extended its assistance to the Northern Marianas Badminton Federation to hold its second annual badminton team tournament this month.

The competition is expected to draw over 100 members.

Company president Lito Mendoza said he was thrilled to extend his company's assistance to the fastest growing sports group in the CNMI.

He said that his company also aims to promote the sport in the Marianas. “We are glad to lend a hand to the group that has shown tremendous increase of active members especially among the CNMI youth,” he said.

Mendoza said the badminton group has shown great potential as it has recruited members of different nationalities. NMBF currently has members that lists Korea, China, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, USA, the Philippines, and the CNMI as their home countries.

“Our company fully supports the group that promotes healthy and fun activities. I believe the group has improved so much that now they have qualified coaches to teach each team members during the tournament,” said Mendoza.

“We are looking forward to the tournament to promote friendship among members and produce cream of the crop players for future international tournaments,” he added.

The Traders Insurance Badminton Team Tournament is open only to members with badminton skills grade from A to C. It will consist of at least eight teams with at least eight members each. The teams will have corresponding sponsors, which will be determined based on availability of sponsorships.

The tournament is officially scheduled to run from Nov. 22 to Dec. 14 during Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays within the scheduled dates. The team tournament will include adult and youth divisions on men's and women's singles, men's and women's doubles, and mixed doubles.

Registration is now ongoing and application forms are available at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium from Mondays through Thursdays in the morning and on Saturdays and Sundays during the regular badminton practice games.

Registration fee is $30 for each adult participant. Youth members, aged 14 to 18, will pay a registration fee of only $20 while youth members aged 10 to 13 will only register for $15 each. The fee includes game fees and banquet fees for the awarding ceremony in December.

NMBF is still looking and asking for the generosity of avid sponsors to help the group out with its other requirements for this event.

For more information on the upcoming tournament, contact membership committee head Hapi Gabriel at 287-4274.

Traders Insurance offers the following products: Fire and Allied Perils Homeowner's and Tenant's Coverage, Automobile, Worker's Compensation, Surety Bond, Builders Risk, General Liability, Marine Cargo and Hull, Personal/Travel Accident, and Equipment Floater. (NMBF)