The first major equipment for the Pacific Mini Games has arrived in Palau, marking a significant stage in the delivery preparation for the event.
A total of six (6) V6 canoes and eight (8) V1 canoes have been delivered and are now ready to be tested by Team Palau in preparation for hosting the Games.
These brand-new canoes were purchased with financial support from Blue Bay, which contributed US$20,000, and the Pacific Mini Games Organising Committee, which provided US$37,000, totaling US$57,000.
The canoes were manufactured by a company based in Fiji and transported to Palau. Their transfer to the canoe venue at Meyuns Ramp (Skojio) was sponsored by Surangel and Sons Construction Company, with additional support from the Koror State Government, which facilitated the safe storage of the canoes in a designated container at the ramp to protect them from weather conditions.
This is the first time in over 20 years that new canoes have been purchased for the national canoe program, making their arrival an important occasion for Team Palau.
The paddlers are excited to try out the new canoes during their regular practice sessions. The team currently consists of more than 40 paddlers vying for a spot on the final national roster, which will include 11 men and 11 women. The canoe events will feature sprint and long-distance races, including 500m and 1500m sprints, as well as 20k long-distance races for men and 15k for women. Per the event regulations, the final national team will consist of six adult and five junior paddlers.
The Games OrganiSing Committee and Team Palau continue to rely on key partners to support games preparation and ensure successful event delivery. The official presentation of the canoes at Meyuns Ramp was attended by Team Palau partners, including:
*Ralph Moses, Representative, Blue Bay Petroleum, Palau
*Senator Mason Whipps, Representative, Surangel and Sons Construction Company
*Leslie Tewid, Director of Public Works of Koror State
*Frank Kyota, Chairman for Team Palau and President of Palau NOC
*Alonz Moses, Board Member of PNOC
*Uchel Tmetuchl, Chair of the Sports Committee for the 2025 Games
*Baklai Temengil, Secretary General of Palau NOC
*Evelyn Otto, President of the Palau Canoe and Water Sports Federation (PCWSF) and National Coach for Team Canoe
*Mariah Okada, Secretary of PCWSF and national team paddler
*Porze Creps, Member of PCWSF and national team paddler
The arrival of these new canoes represents a significant investment in the development of canoeing in Palau and the successful delivery of this year Pacific Mini Games.
The paddlers, partners, and organizers are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to showcase their skills and compete at the highest level during the upcoming Games this coming 29 June to 09 July 2025.
