Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr on 13 May signed a Presidential Directive establishing the 2025 Pacific Games Organising Committee.
Palau won at the bid to host the mini-games besting American Samoa and Niue who both lodged bids in the initial process.
In Presidential Directive No. 22-50, the government stated that it wants to ensure that Palau is fully organized and “prepared through its finances, infrastructure, and capacity” to host the games.
This will be the second time Palau has held the event which was in 2005.
The multi-sport event is a smaller version of the Pacific Games.
The mini-games are rotated every four years and Saipan will be hosting the 2022 min games from 17 to 25 June.
The organising committee will be composed of representatives from the Office of the President, Council of Chiefs, Senate, and Palau National Olympic Committee among others.
The Pacific mini-games are also attended by countries and territories in Oceania. the event has been held every four years since the 1981 inaugural games.
The Pacific mini-games is expected to draw in thousands of athletes from the 22 member countries to participate in the sports events. Australia and New Zealand are also expected to send representations for the games.
Meanwhile,with commitment confirmation and the support from National Sports Federations, Palau NOC, athletes, and key partners, seven respective sports have confirmed to participate in the Mini Pacific Games.
The sports of Athletics, Baseball, Beach Volleyball, Golf, Triathlon, Va’a Canoe, and Weightlifting make up the Team 22 from Palau. With the theme for Saipan Northern Marianas Pacific Mini Games 2022 “Rising Up to the Challenge – The Games are On” , Palau Team is looking forward to the games.
The Teams have been training and final selections toook place in April.
Team Palau Chef De Mission Alonz Moses is meeting regularly with Team coaches in finalising preparation plans and budget.
In other sports news, the national sports federations and Palau NOC have confirmed to host Belau Youth Games and Festival in July this year targeting under 19 years old in respective sports events.
The confirmed date for the youth games is 01-08 July, 2022
SOURCE: ISLAND TIMES/PACNEWS
