GAMES COME TO A CLOSE IN SAIPAN

By Patrick Lujan

SAIPAN – The theme of the 2022 Pacific Mini Games was Rising Up to the Challenge. The CNMI certainly rose up – and then some.

Coming off two years of a global pandemic that has affected every single one of us, our northern neighbors proved that resiliency and competition can go hand-in-hand after hosting what has been an extremely well-run and successful Games.

One major improvement from past events is that the athletes were housed in a hotel as opposed to classrooms or cafeterias in past Games.

All events ran fairly smoothly and on schedule as the Saipan community rose up to the challenge and succeed in every way.

Bronze medal hammer thrower Genie Gerardo had the honor of carrying the Guam flag at the Closing Ceremonies. Less than half of Guam’s delegation had already gone back home, leaving back just a few sports to partake in the closing events.

Guam finished with a very respectable 10 gold, 5 silver and 11 bronze.

The next Pacific Mini Games is set for 2025 and will be hosted by Palau.