The opening ceremony of the long-awaited Northern Marianas Pacific Mini Games 2022 brought together 20 Pacific nations to the Oleai Sports Complex and held them in a trance for more than three hours in a display of pageantry capped by a dazzling show of drone artistry.

According to Saipan Tribune, over 1800 athletes, officials, media, volunteers, and supporters of the 20 Pacific island nations, along with over 1000 community members that crowded inside the sports complex and at the adjacent beach banded together to witness a historic first in the CNMI.

Team Fiji athletes and officials during the Pacific Mini Games opening ceremony at Oleai Sports Complex in Saipan on June 17, 2022. Photos: FASANOC

Team Fiji contingent was led by flagbearer and para athlete Naibili Vatunisolo.

Athletes vying for medals from 20 Pacific nations paraded around the Oleai Pacific Sports Complex, waving their colorful flags, with the flag bearers donning their traditional clothing, and their athletes wearing their country’s uniforms.

In front of the grandstand, which seated government officials and VIPs, each country’s athletic delegation performed cultural dances that were greeted by cheers from the crowd.

Team Fiji athletes and officials during the Pacific Mini Games opening ceremony at Oleai Sports Complex in Saipan on June 17, 2022. Photos: FASANOC

The posting of colours was done by the Marianas High School JROTC and the U.S. and CNMI national anthems were sung by students from Marianas High School and Saipan Southern High School.

Mini Games Organising Committee chair Marco Peter welcomed and thanked everyone for coming and for all the sponsors who made the games possible.

Team Fiji athletes and officials during the Pacific Mini Games opening ceremony at Oleai Sports Complex in Saipan on June 17, 2022. Photos: FASANOC

Pacific Mini Games president Vidhya Lakhan lauded the CNMI in hosting the Mini Games despite all the struggles of the past typhoons and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Governor Ralph DLG Torres then welcomed the crowd and declared the opening of the games.
The torch relay and lighting of the torch was done by CNMI athletes who passed the flame from one to another in stages.

Team Fiji athletes and officials during the Pacific Mini Games opening ceremony at Oleai Sports Complex in Saipan on June 17, 2022. Photos: FASANOC

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