HILARY HOSIA
It’s official: uniforms for RMI participants in the Micronesian Games are being sponsored by the Taiwan Embassy and the Taiwanese Association.
A check in the amount of $57,625 was received by Minister of Natural Resources and Commerce and President of the Marshall Islands National Olympic Committee Tony Muller from Taiwan Ambassador Steve Hsia following a ceremonial handover Wednesday at the NRC headquarters in Delap.
Uniforms will be given to RMI athletes, officials and VIPs.
Self-taught designer and owner of RiMajol Creationz Allen Mwekto and local entrepreneur Candice Guavis from ELEFA won the bid to design and print the uniforms.
According to Minister Tony, “keep it local,” in regards to vendors for the upcoming games in June.
What’s unique about the donation is the fact that last week, the Chinese Fujian Association and Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Majuro offered to sponsor the uniforms. That development was sidelined by the Taiwan Embassy and Association after learning rumors that the Chinese were stepping in, with the requirement that Chinese logos be printed on the uniforms.
It offered Marshallese a real-time close-up view of the ongoing geopolitical competition for influence that is playing out in the Pacific Islands region.
The Micro Games are neutral, Minister Tony said, while showing appreciation for the support from both the Chinese and Taiwanese circles.