Rota sees sports facilities restoration and upgrades; prepares for Marianas Games

From Sinapalo to Songsong, the Rota municipal government is restoring sports facilities and preparing venues ahead of the Inaugural Marianas Games in June, Rota Mayor Aubry Hocog said. While awaiting funding for additional renovations, current improvements focus on restoring play areas and upgrading restrooms, shade and seating, and equipment such as shot clocks to support community use, youth engagement, and competitive events.

The Sinapalo Basketball Court, which was renovated last year, has one full-sized court and a place to play volleyball, and the area surrounding it is the site for a new soccer pitch and track and field, which is awaiting the bidding process for construction. The Joaquin “Tun Kindu” M. Ogo Baseball Field, also renovated last year, has a press box, dugouts, a restroom, and bleachers, and has already hosted interscholastic softball competitions.

As for Songsong, the Songsong Sports Facility was also renovated and has one full court and one half court, with benches and pavilions being built. The overgrown Liyu Baseball Field is in the works to be cleared in the next few weeks for use ahead of the Inaugural Marianas Games in June, while the Rota Recreational Center in Songsong is pending renovations upon approval of FEMA public assistance extension requests.

Hocog said the improvements are aimed at giving Rota’s youth the opportunity to train and compete at a higher level. With some facilities, such as the Liyu Baseball Field and the Recreational Center, still needing funding, she said they will continue to follow up to bring all facilities up to par to how they were when she was growing up.

She mentioned that even with the lack of facilities, the youth are versatile and amazing. “When given some time, they are able to compete—and imagine more so with proper facilities where we can train them to a level where they can compete and represent Rota in CNMI teams for various sports against other countries,” she said. “We really want to build the skills of our students—our youth especially.”

She added that they are excited to not only welcome Rota’s youth, but also youth from neighboring islands to utilize the facilities. “It will help allow Rota to sponsor many of these programs so we can also help stimulate our local economy,” she said.

All of these renovations also tie in with what’s in store for Rota. With the upcoming Inaugural Marianas Games in June, Hocog said it is a great opportunity for the youth and the community to be involved. She mentioned that Northern Marianas Sports Association president Jerry Tan also extended support by bringing people to help certify officials and provide additional support through clinics. “This will help get them the training to serve as officials, better serve as coaches, and give us more people who can volunteer and really expand the sports community here in Rota, so that’s very exciting news,” she said.

With about nine sports categories—depending on the official number of sports for the games—Hocog said they hope to join about six or seven sports. “We have a lot of great vibes, great support, and excitement in our community for people to try out so they can be selected to best represent our island in the various sports,” she said.

On the importance of youth in sports, she said, “It’s very important. It’s critical to their development—not only by building their self-esteem and confidence, but also by allowing them to sharpen their skills, learn about team building, and learn good sportsmanship. I think it’s a development of their character. We want them to become the best versions of themselves, and we can help mold them by creating programs that help build character, self-esteem, and teamwork.”

As for community sports programs, Hocog said their priority remains the rehabilitation of sports facilities, which takes up most of their funding. She said they do have their 2026 Biggest Loser program open to the public, and they are looking to host basketball and volleyball leagues as well. The Sinapalo Youth Center is open as a place for recreation and study for the youth, and the Lions Club has plans to work with the municipality to open a pickleball court.

“We definitely want to collaborate together—that’s how we can make things happen,” Hocog said. “It’s very difficult to do it alone, but through partnerships and collaboration efforts, we can make things happen. We’re very excited. If there’s something the community would like to see, we welcome ideas and suggestions. We’re hopeful to address facilities first so we can really maximize the programs we will be opening and showcasing to the community.”