SAIPAN — Elias M. Rangamar of the Northern Mariana Islands has been honored with an Oceania Athletics Association Merit Award in recognition of more than 30 years of service to athletics and community sport in the CNMI.
Rangamar was one of three recipients recognized during the 2026 Oceania Athletics Championships in Darwin. He was not present to accept the award, and his daughter Lia Rangamar received it on his behalf.
The Merit Award is one of the association’s highest honors, presented to individuals who have made an exceptional and lasting contribution to athletics across the Oceania region. As a coach, educator and development leader, Rangamar has played a central role in building athletics participation and opportunities for young people throughout his community. His work has spanned coaching education, athlete development and sports administration, helping strengthen athletics both in the CNMI and across Oceania.
His dedication to grassroots sport and youth development has created opportunities for countless young athletes and built a legacy that continues to shape sport in the region.
Also honored were Raylene Bates MNZM of New Zealand, recognized for more than three decades of service as a coach, leader and administrator at the Paralympic Games, Olympic Games, World Championships and Commonwealth Games, and Australian official Diane Lowden, recognized for a lifetime of service to athletics, particularly in race walking, at major international competitions.
