Addalee, Richard put CNMI on 1st Patriot Games stage

CNMI student-athletes Addalee Taflinger and Richard Zhao represented the Marianas on the national stage at the first-ever Patriot Games, held Aug. 9-11, at SPIRE Academy in Geneva, Ohio.

The two were among 120 student-athletes ages 14-17 selected from across the United States, U.S. territories and tribal nations for the competition, which tested their versatility, adaptability and athletic ability as part of the Freedom 250 celebration.

Zhao, a Marianas High School student, said representing the CNMI on such a large stage was a privilege.

“It’s an absolute honor to represent the NMI and carry our flag on a national venue like the Patriot Games in Geneva, Ohio. Representing our home community on a stage this big is a privilege, and it motivated me to push to my limits for each event and make our island proud,” he said.

He described the experience as “amazing,” with “an intense mix of high energy and serious focus.”

Although he was nervous about competing in unfamiliar events, Zhao said he quickly focused once competition began. One of his favorite moments was marching with the CNMI flag and sharing facts about the islands with fellow athletes. He also described seeing the President of the United States in person as another memorable experience.

Zhao said the Patriot Games taught him the importance of adaptability and mental toughness. “Managing long distance travel, adjusting to a new environment, and competing under pressure required strong discipline. Everyone has different strengths and weaknesses, even though you may be good at a certain event you might not be able to be the best for the next,” he said.

On how important the event was for CNMI athletes and representation, he said, “I believe that these events are very important for creating future opportunities for NMI athletes. Exposure to national events would open more doors for athletes to be noticed and build connections. It also helps bridge the gap between local athletics and national level competition, giving us equal access to big opportunities and representing our islands.”

Taflinger, a student at Saipan International School, also described representing the CNMI as a source of pride.

“To represent the CNMI in the Patriot Games was such an honor because everyone that was there had such great pride in the state and wanted to compete to represent where they are from,” she said. “And so I loved having that honor to do that as well.” 

She said the experience, from staying in the dorms and sharing meals to making new friends and competing, was something she would remember. Taflinger said she was nervous but excited to be on television, and one of her favorite parts was cheering for her teammates and being around athletes from across the country.

The competition also pushed her to try things outside her comfort zone. “A lesson I learned was just to go for it,” she said. “Even though a specific sport might not be your ideal thing, just do it because it might lead you [to] something amazing, and in this competition I had to do many things I usually don’t do, but it showed me my personal strength and perseverance.”

Both athletes said the Patriot Games gave them a chance to meet new people, gain experience, and represent the CNMI on a national stage.