'Rise together': 2025 Pacific Mini Games officially underway
Photo:
Facebook / 2025 Pacific Mini Games, Palau
The 2025 Pacific Mini Games are officially underway after Sunday's opening ceremony formally launched the event in Palau's capital, Koror.
Rain fell for parts of the ceremony, which saw athletes march in and the Games flame lit.
Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr welcomed visitors and declared the Games open.
He urged the athletes to compete fiercely and do their best.
"Remember, lift each other higher, celebrate every victory, and rise together after every fall. Because in the Pacific, we are not just stewards of our islands - we are champions for each other.
"Let these games be a shining example of what we can achieve when we stand together," he added.
Pacific Games Council president Vidya Larkhan said the event is the biggest Mini Games to date, adding that the Pacific is lucky to be celebrating such and event when others in some parts of the world are suffering because of conflicts.
"We should consider ourselves as people of the Pacific very fortunate in that when there is war waging in some parts of the world, we are able to meet and celebrate our Games in a peaceful and healthy environment," Lakhan said.
"These 2025 Pacific Mini games is the biggest Games in the history of the Pacific Mini Games. I am informed that when the numbers were finalised, just under 2000 athetes and officials are here."
PalauMini Games organising committee chairman Dr Patrick Tellei urged participants to work on strenthening the bonds between the Pacific countries, while enjoying the spirit of competition at the Games.
"Compete to the best of your abilities, connect and network with each other, make friends and use the sport. Please strengthen the bonds between our countries and their people," he said.
Monday's action begins at 8:30am local time (11:30 NZT) and includes baseball, softball, swimming, va'a, volleyball and wrestling.
Photo:
Palau 2025 Pacific Mini Games/YouTube screenshot
Northern Marianas runner Tania Tan is aiming to repeat her 2023 Pacific Games success in Palau.
Tan, 23, is entered in the 5000m, 10,000m, and half marathon.
She holds the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) national records in the 5000m and 10,000m among other middle-distance events.
The Mini Games athletics competition will run 4-9 July at Palau National Track and Field.
Tan said training out of Hawai'i has given her an edge.
"There's a good mix of terrain, climate, and a competitive running community pushing me to improve," she said.
"I've focused on building a strong base with long runs, tempo work, and strength training - while also making sure to recover and stay injury-free."
Tan said she sees the expectations from fans and coaches as motivation rather than pressure.
"Pressure is a privilege, so I feel honored that this time around, I will be the one to look out for," Tan said. "All we can do on race day is give our best."
Northern Marianas Athletics secretary-general Robin Sapong noted that the team had a solid pre-race session last Saturday.
"Tania looks strong and healthy. She just needs to run her race.
"Other countries are fielding three runners per event, suggesting team tactics. On paper, a runner from New Caledonia leads the 10,000m this season, so it should be competitive."
Teams gathering together right before the Opening Ceremony began.
Photo:
Palau 2025 Pacific Mini Games/Facebook
Tan will be joined by Maria Quitugua, Kaithlyn Chavez, Victor Nash Santos, Theodore Rodgers, Simon Tang, and Lyle Andrew - many of whom medaled at the 2024 Micronesian Games in Majuro.
Elias Rangamar, who coaches the team locally, said: "We only have a few athletes going to Palau, but these are competitive ones with real chances to medal or make finals."
Quitugua, gold medalist in javelin at the Micro Games, will compete in javelin and the 100m run. Andrew, Majuro's hammer throw champion, will enter hammer, discus, and shotput. Chavez will race the 800m and 1,500m, Santos is entered in the 1,500m, 5,000m, and 10,000m, while Tang will run the 110m and 400m hurdles.
Out of the Pacific Games Council's 24 members, 20 nations will compete in athletics, including associate member Australia, which is sending 21 athletes.
Rangamar said this level of competition will provide invaluable experience for the Marianas athletes: "This is a great chance to go up against the best in Oceania."
Tan expressed gratitude to supporters: "First, I want to thank my family and community back home in Saipan - they've always supported me, even from across the ocean. And to my running friends in Hawai'i, the Northern Marianas Sports Association, and everyone behind the scenes - this journey is never solo."
Team Marianas fields a 161-member delegation to the Mini Games.
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