NMI Powerlifting hosts 1st town hall meeting, lays out plans

The newly established NMI Powerlifting Inc. is looking to make waves and grow the sport locally, then eventually field a team for the 2027 Pacific Games in Tahiti.

The board, led by president Clayton Izuka, shared its plans during the organization’s first town hall meeting on Tuesday, June 30, at the Gilbert C. Ada NMSA Conference Room. Joining Izuka on the board are vice president Marc Venus, secretary Jul Ascano, treasurer Lalaine Santomin, and board members Ralph Ascano, Christy Aldan, and Jose Mafnas.

During the meeting, Izuka said the organization is in the process of applying for membership with the Northern Marianas Sports Association. He also shared that the group had already been established before Super Typhoon Sinlaku struck and that their first town hall was an opportunity to gauge local interest and let the community know the organization is now in place.

“We’re hoping to get some interest and see what the interest is like here. I do see some powerlifters in different gyms around the island. I know there’s some people that may be interested, but our main goal is just to get the word out there that we’re established and trying to build something new.”

Izuka, who is a powerlifter himself, got into powerlifting in college and quickly saw benefits beyond just physical strength, including mental health.

Powerlifting involves three lifts—the squat, bench press, and deadlift. Lifters get three attempts at each lift, and their best successful attempt in each is combined for a total score. The highest total in each weight class wins.

Izuka said they hope to get more people familiar with the sport. “Powerlifting is a niche sport—not a lot of people know about it, so that’s kind of our goal, to develop the sport here. In terms of getting a team to Tahiti… it’s going to be pretty tight—but that’s our main goal and hopefully bring back some medals,” he said.

Looking ahead, NMI Powerlifting plans to host its first local meet—an unsanctioned “mock meet”—on either Nov. 14 or Nov. 21. The event is meant to introduce the sport to more people and give local lifters a chance to compete in a meet setting.

The organization is also encouraging anyone interested in the sport—including CNMI athletes living off-island—to get involved.

Asked how the community can support the group, Izuka said financial help is definitely important, but the bigger focus is building a supportive community where lifters can encourage each other, share knowledge, and push one another to improve.

“I hope to really create a beautiful community here,” he said.

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