Palau president on Pacific Mini Games: 'It is all about...lifting each other up'

RNZ News

7 hours ago

President Whipps presenting a medal at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Plaau. 1 July 2025
Photo:
Facebook / Office of the President, Republic of Palau
Hosting the 2025 Pacific Mini Games is a significant undertaking - particularly for a small, remote nation like Palau.
Speaking to RNZ Pacific about the preparations as the host country for the 12th edition of the Mini Games - their second time since 2005 - Palau's President Surangel Whipps Jr acknowledged that the journey has been long and challenging, but more-so rewarding.
"In 2022, we established the the chairman of the Games and the Organising Committee," Whipps said.
"For example, construction for track and basketball began almost two years ago…and the basketball finished only a week before the Games.
"But you know, you live on islands - it's tough to get facilities done quickly and I think, importantly, it involves planning."
He added that some facilities, such as the 3x3 basketball court, were finished just a week before the competition started.
There were also some logistical challenges, including the attendance of more athletes than anticipated.
"We were scrambling for food and for bedding…but that's a good problem to have," Whipps said.
"We were just blessed to have so many athletes from all across the Pacific showing up."
Va'a competitors from Tahiti, Wallis and Futuna, Fiji, Palau, PNG, and the Norther Mariana Islands on day one.
Photo:
Facebook / Office of the President, Republic of Palau
Whipps said that this year's event has been an embodiment of the Pacific spirit, with multiple athletes and attendees commenting on the balance between competitiveness and comradery.
Competition is fierce, but true to the Pacific way, unity and pride outshine any outcomes.
"I've been around attending all the different games," he said.
"Listening to the Papua New Guinea and Fiji teams at the track and field, then the Vanuatu team…our Palau teams…it's just been that kind of Games, there's that spirit.
"We are one family. I watch all of these players, they're going into nail-biting overtime… and hugging afterwards - that's what you want to see, right? It is about sharing, supporting, and lifting each other up."
But beyond the spectacle of the Games, which wraps up at 6pm tonight, Whipps said the event has been great for locals, and will have a lasting impact on the community.
Most facilities were built near the schools, with the intention they continue to serve as gyms and training venues for students long after the Games end.
"These facilities are all around schools... they can continue to be used, maintained, and really help our children. Hopefully we inspire more young athletes to continue to develop and compete," Whipps said.
"It is not just about today, it allows potential for future international events…it provides us with the tremendous opportunity to raise the level of competition and visibility."
He added that the addition of a beach volleyball venue opened up conversations around a youth World Cup event for the sport.
President Surangel Whipps Jr met with the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) president Fabio Azevedo. FIVB provided support for both indoor and outdoor volleyball courts for the Pacific Mini Games 2025. 7 July 2025
Photo:
Facebook / Office of the President, Republic of Palau
"We are meeting with the president of the Volleyball Federation that was here and seeing those opportunities; it's not only allowing us to develop our youth, but also our legacy, to bring in more tournaments and events.
"Not only in the Pacific and Micronesia, but now thinking of events outside our region."
Now, Whipps is looking ahead to the closing ceremony, with hopes for more accessible flights to Palau and greater economic viability in the near future, continuing the momentum that the Games has brought to the region.
We are one ocean, one Pacific," he said.