Athletes from the Northern Marianas may not get to compete at this year's Pacific Games in Samoa due to high travel costs.
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According to the Marianas Variety, it could cost between US$2500 and US$3000 for an athlete to travel to Apia for the Pacific's largest sporting event in July.
While he understands the locals are still recovering from Cyclone Yutu, CNMI Sports Association chief Michael White has urged the national bodies to begin fund-raising for the Games now.
"We need to have a good show so that other countries will come to our place in 2021 for the Pacific Mini Games," he said.
At the previous Pacific Games in Port Moresby, the CNMI sent a contingent of 26 athletes in eight sports but did not win a medal.