Throughout 2023, Oceania will be featuring university clubs from around our region. All clubs are active on their university campuses and in their community. All provide opportunities for their members and unite students during their time at university.
Club of the week for 15 May is the Northern Mariana Islands College Sports
The Northern Marianas College is located in the idyllic island of Saipan, part of the Northern Mariana Islands. The College is also home to our Club of the week, the NMI College Sports.
Established in 2021 to increase sport participation in college students through activities and challenges. The club covers all sports and organises a number of sport competitions throughout the year.
Successful events have included celebrations for International Day of University Sport (held annually on 20 September) and Sportober’s Trick or Spike festivities. NMI College Sports has also been successful in holding online sports challenges to create opportunity for everyone to take part in healthy activities.
“We are dedicated to providing students with the opportunity to take part in sport and activity regardless of their ability”, says Ms Denise Myers a senior professor at the College. “We promote the benefits that sport and activity can bring to a student’s life and how activity can enhance their student experience. Our annual celebrations of International Day of University Sport is fast becoming a recognised annual event across all of the island, not just on the college campus”, adds Ms Myers.
Students participate in sport activities on campus and get involved in fitness challenges throughout the year. Many students are also members of their local community sports club and compete every weekend in location competitions.
“Sport is a way of life for us on the island”, says Ms Myers. “The Mariana Islands held the Pacific Mini Games in 2022 and it revigorated many people to reconnect with their sports club or association. It has been no different here on the college campus with more students getting involved in sport”, says Ms Myers.
A student who has actively contributed to sport on campus is Ms Angela Bernal. Ms Bernal is studying a Bachelor of Science in Education and is a key coordinator for NMI College Sport activities.
“It is great to provide sport and fitness competitions for students”, says Ms Bernal. “I love helping students to engage in non academic activities as it helps provide a balance and promotes positive health and wellbeing. The support we also get from our local sports organisations and FISU Oceania really helps to drive the success of our events. That is one of the best things about sport – it brings people together”, adds Ms Bernal.
Ms Bernal has been active in FISU activities and was the Northern Mariana Islands student ambassador at the 2021 FISU Volunteer Leaders Academy. Her hard work has been integral to the success of International Day of University Sport celebrations.
NMI College Sports works under the auspices of Northern Marianas Sports Association.
Find out more about NMI College Sports via their Facebook page.
Find out more about Northern Marianas College via their website.
