CNMI will host the 2006 Microgames

The local sports community was able to heave a big sigh of relief Friday when Gov. Benigno Fitial reversed course and took back the hosting of the 2006 Micronesian Games. Two weeks prior, the islands' chief executive gave notice that due to financial constraints and lack of planning, the CNMI would have to beg off from hosting the quadrennial event.

The Northern Marianas Amateur Sports Association, sports federations, athletes, and concerned individuals, however, were not about ready to give up their dream of seeing the Games back on home soil 16 years after the islands revived the summer classic. The basketball tournament should feature all the Micronesian countries like CNMI, Palau, Guam and the federated states of Micronesia.