NMBF elects officers for 2009

The Northern Marianas Badminton Federation has a new president in Shirley Kim, who was elected to the group's highest post Friday at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

Kim got the most votes from about 40 NMBF members who participated in the 2009 election last week and will be replacing outgoing president Marconi Calindas.

Others elected were Edwin Montoya, vice president; Reynaldo Gabriel, secretary; Malou Mendoza, treasurer; Cristy Villaflor, auditor; and Marco Antonio Aguda and Jojo Savellano, public relations officers.

Kim thanked NMBF members for having confidence in her ability to lead the group and vow to continue what the organization's past leaders have started to promote badminton in the Commonwealth.

“It’s a great feeling. I am deeply honored and grateful that they showed full confidence in me. I felt that there’s no turning back to lead the group this year," Kim said.

“I will continue the past leaders' goal of strengthening the youth membership in the CNMI,” she said.

Kim added she will also continue to implement the “committee system,” in the organization to ensure that future tournaments and other projects are properly coordinated and attended.

"It has been proven very effective and we will maintain that setup for the year," Kim said. "I am also looking forward to more tournaments and training for members, students, and community groups," she said.

Out to help Kim manage the organization are 2009 Board of Directors members Lito Mendoza, Elma Labuson, Roger Vales, Gigi Zapanta, Jerry Tan, and Susan and Puy Macario. Mendoza will chair the NMBF Board for the second straight year.

With Kim at the helm of NMBF affairs this year, her first project will be an annual leadership training and planning workshop to be held before the end of the month. The group is also expected to hold board and management meetings this month.

Meanwhile, NMBF thanked the Division of Sports and Recreation for allowing them to use the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium to conduct regular games every Tuesday and Thursday morning and Friday and Saturday evening.
(Saipan Tribune)