Iakwe (hello)!
It is with great excitement that we announce the formation of the Arkansas Marshallese All-Star Basketball Team. Given the rising rates of obesity and gang activities among youth and young adults in Arkansas, it is vital that we develop initiatives that promote health and harmony. Sporting events have always been a part of Marshallese community. For the past 15 years, Marshallese sports teams from the Marshall Islands and all over the United States travel to Northwest Arkansas to celebrate the Republic of the Marshall Island’s Constitution, as NW Arkansas has the largest population of Marshallese outside of the Marshall Islands.
This year, the Marshallese community in NW Arkansas desires to assemble a group to travel to the Marshall Islands to strengthen the relationship between the two communities. Given the importance of games and sports, we chose 12 talented basketball players to represent our NW Arkansas community at the 37th Annual Republic of the Marshall Islands Constitution Day Celebrations in the Marshall Islands. The team will participate in the sports events from April 18th - May 5th, but will also do community work at the schools and the hospital while on-island. Assisting the team are Albious Latior - team manager, Mandy Ritok-Lakien and Williamina "Wana" Bing as assistant team managers. Albious works with the Northwest Arkansas Worker’s Justice Center. Mandy and Wana are project coordinators with the Office of Community Health and Research at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and board members of the Arkansas Coalition of Marshallese, a 501(c) (3) organization.
In order for our Arkansas players to make this 6,200-mile trip, we need your help and support. Our community is currently working together to raise funds to pay for travel expenses, lodging, meals, and team uniforms. We are also collecting supplies to give out to the schools and hospital, such as hand sanitizers, baby wipes, disposable diapers, pencils, erasers, trash bags, etc. Please send your In-Kind donations or checks to the Arkansas Coalition of Marshallese 109 Spring St. Ste. #14 Springdale, AR 72764, or make your monetary donations here on this gofundme account, and we will provide you with a tax receipt.
Kommool tata!
Albious Latior
General Manager
Son of Runny & Shako Latior from Jaluit & Namdrik
Paul Tabu
Head Coach
Son of Simpson & Athrita Tabu from Namu & Ailinglaplap
Robinson Marquez
Asst Coach
Son of Roger & Eleanor Marquez from Majuro, Wotje, Aur & Philippines
Andy Neamon Andrew
Grandson of Andrew and Mashako Neamon from Ailinglaplap, Jabot & Ebon
Jomar Tobo Dela Pena
Son of Jimmy Dela Pena & Kiako Tobo from Mili, Jaluit, Arno, Majuro, & Philippines
Dustin Peter
Son of Atoeo Peter & Tamiko Lometo from Namdrik, Mili, Jaluit, Arno, & Ebon
Joey Iona
Son of Tavita & Faaeteete Iona from American Samoa
Wife of Morita Muller Marcus daugter of Iroij Moro & Erbita Marcus from Ebon, Jaluit, Wotje, Mejit, & Namdrik
Stanton Iban
Son of Rk Ricktag and Anita Iban from Namdrik & Wotje
Josten Peter
Son of Tick & Norleen Peter from Namdrik & Majuro
Michael Bellu
Son of Gordon and Julie Bellu from Namu & Jaluit
Jon Tobo Dela Pena
Son of Jimmy Dela Pena & Kiako Tobo from Mili, Jaluit, Arno, Majuro, & Philippines
Dylan Sandoval
Son of Jesus & Nelly Ria Sandoval from Mejit
Xavier Gonzalez
Son of Ricky and Susan Gonzalez from Majuro & Philippines
Nickson Lomae
Son of Julio Lejjena & Christina John from Kwajalein, Jaluit, & Ailinglaplap
Freddy Abbang
Son of Jerry & Irene Abbang from Wotje, Ailuk, Majuro, & Philippines
Mandy Ritok-Lakien
Assist. Manager
Daughter of Winjang & Jane Ritok from Ailuk, Majuro, & Wotje
Williamina Ioanna Bing
Assist. Manager
Daughter of Alex & Althea Bing from Ailinglaplap, Majuro, Jaluit, Arno, Kiribati, China