Sport: CMNI agree to host 2021 Mini Games after all

The Northern Marianas government has agreed to host the 2021 Pacific Mini Games, provided the Games Council helps with funding the scaled back event.

The CNMI originally withdrew from hosting the Games in March after Super Typhoon Yutu devastated Saipan and Tinian and ruined the local economy.

The Pacific Games Council visited Saipan last month and proposed a reduced Mini Games from 12 sports to six, at a cost of $US3 million down from eight.

After considering the offer, the US territory said it was willing to host the Mini Games if the Pacific Games Council provided a payment plan on the reduced $US3 million budget proposed for the slimmed-down event.

CNMI Governor Ralph Torres believed the decision to again host the Pacific Games would benefit the islands' athletes.

He said the commitment to host the Pacific Games transcends the Pacific Games itself and provides a lasting impact on the CNMI community as a whole.