LONG RECOVERY FOR MOST SPORTS FACILITIES

By Patrick Lujan

While the island is slowly getting back to some level of normalcy with power, water and other essential services, most of Guam’s sports facilities will have a longer path to recovery.

Three weeks after Typhoon Mawar swung for the fences and blasted our island, sports recovery plans are just starting to come back to the surface.

Youth Football

The Triple J GNYFF Football League is back on schedule, according to league president Ivan Shiroma.

The new starting weekend is July 15/16 with the teams revamping their practices on June 20. According to Shiroma, the fields have been assessed and should be ready for play come next month and the referees are locked in.

GSPN will post the latest schedule once it becomes available.

DPR Facilities

Major damage can be seen at the Guerrero Softball Field and Paseo Stadium. Deputy Director Jack Hattig confirmed that the Paseo facilities as well as the Guam Sports Complex and baseball fields were heavily damaged by Mawar.

“We have documented all the damage, and we’ll be pursuing any and all disaster related funding to begin repairs as fast as we can,” Hattig said. “The walking/running path is open at the Complex as well as the open spaces with a permit for use. However, all other areas remain closed until further notice. We hope to open the Dededo Pool as soon as our island’s water is back at 100%.”

Hattig adds that DPR is accepting any volunteer group that is willing to assist in the cleaning of the parks and sports facilities under the agency’s inventory.

“Right now, the focus is to make the parks safe and open to the public again. If you or your organization would like to help with the cleanup, please call or come in. With the good Lord’s grace and a few helpful hands, we’ll get it done as quickly as we can.”

You can call DPR at 671-475-6288 to inquire in helping out.

UOG Field House

UOG Athletic Director Doug Palmer said the field house is almost back to normal, with the exception of the campus water shortage.

“The Field House is in good shape, we are doing graduations now, if we solve the water problem on campus (campus is without water at the moment except for partial water to the dorms and our special events for short durations), then we will begin to play summer basketball leagues and summer camps next week,” Palmer said.

Guam Football Association

The GFA facilities received a pretty good punch by Typhoon Mawar. The facilities are currently closed for safety reasons

“Currently, GFA Executives, the GFA Technical Department, and GFA Football Events Department are communicating with all stakeholders regarding the restart of national team training at the facility, as well as leagues currently suspended,” said GFA press secretary Jill Espiritu. “The progress in securing the facility include the removal of the six light poles toppled by the devastating winds from Typhoon Mawar to be spliced for disposal and pitch repair work for GFA-1 and GFA-2 competition pitches. GFA management also continues to work with FIFA, AFC, EAFF, and government agencies for assistance in restoring the GFA facility.”

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