Latest news with #Koror
RNZ News
4 hours ago
- Sport
- RNZ News
Niue not at 2025 Pacific Mini Games due to travel costs to Palau
The 2025 Pacific Mini Games set to officially open on Sunday. Photo: Facebook / Pacific Mini Games Palau 2025 Team Niue is not competing at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau. Both the Niue Island Sports and Commonwealth Games Association and the Pacific Games Council confirmed to RNZ Pacific on Wednesday that Niue pulled out of the event in May. "It is just too expensive," general secretary Sidney Lui said when asked why there are no Niue athletes in Koror. "Teams pulled out last minute due to affordability." She said it would cost a single member around NZ$8,000 (more than US$4800) to make the flight from Niue to Koror, Palau, via Auckland, Brisbane and Taiwan. "Thats the cheapest route. That's buying a new car." Sidney Lui Photo: Supplied On top of that, Niue Weightlifting were not registered, something that Lui was disappointed with. "We also found out that Niue Weightlifting did not register the athletes in the IWF [International Weightlifting Federation] portal. Same thing they did to them in Birmingham," she said. "Sad because [weightlifting] was our last hope." Pacific Games Council (PGC) chief executive Andrew Minogue confirmed Niue's withdrawal from the Games. "PGC is disappointed in Niue PGA (Pacific Games Association) for not fulfilling their obligations to send at least one athlete to the Games," he said in response to questions sent to him. "There was no announcement by the PGC as such; however all the stakeholders and organisers in Palau were made aware immediately after the 15 May entries deadline. "The PGC worked with Niue PGA prior to this deadline to find at least one athlete and provide financial incentive to help with their travel costs. However, they could not identify an athlete willing to participate." RNZ Pacific became aware of an issue with Niue when we noticed that Niue was missing from the Mini Games medal tally after day two of competition, but it was on the medal table after day one. Mingoue said the medal tally software includes all countries by default, "so we made the adjustment yesterday (Tuesday) once we saw Niue still listed". Both the PGC and Niue confirmed there was no penalty dished out for the withdrawal. Financing for the trip to Palau was an issue that majority of the island countries faced, especially those from the greater Polynesian region, including Fiji, one of the furthest Melanesian countries from Koror. Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Vanuatu governments chartered special flights to get their athletes and officials over to Palau last week, ahead of Sunday's opening ceremony.
RNZ News
3 days ago
- Sport
- RNZ News
'Rise together': 2025 Pacific Mini Games officially underway
2025 Pacific Mini Games opening ceremony. 29 July 2025 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.
RNZ News
6 days ago
- Sport
- RNZ News
'We have done our best': Palau ready to host the 2025 Pacific Mini Games
Twenty-four countries are going to be represented at the event, where athletes will compete in 12 sports. Photo: Facebook / Pacific Mini Games Palau 2025 There is a buzz in the air as athletes and team officials have started arriving in Koror, Palau, for the 2025 Pacific Mini Games set to officially open on Sunday. The Games is scheduled to take place from 29 June to 9 July. Majority of the competing teams are already in Palau,with others flying in over the next two days. As the different contingents jet into the Palauan capital, President Surangel Whipps Jr, along with Taiwan's Ambassador Jessica Lee, and other local dignitaries, launched 11 facilities that have been upgraded or built for the event. These were funded through more than US$5.7 million in support from Taiwan. The completed projects include: Long Island Beach Volleyball Facility, Meyuns Canoe Racing Facility, Meyuns Softball Field, Meyuns PNOC Swimming Pool Facility, Wrestling and Weightlifting Facility, Palau High School Spider Gym (Basketball), Palau National Track and Field, Asahi Baseball Field, Melekeok Archery Facility, KB Bridge Beach Wrestling Facility and the Ngiwal Triathlon Facility The Island Times reports that some of the facilities, such as the Palau High School Spider Gym, faced delays due to late arrival of construction materials. Palau Pacific Games Organising Committee chair Dr Patrick Tellei told RNZ Pacific in an earlier interview the delay was expected, but all facilities have now been completed. The 2025 Pacific Mini Games set to officially open on Sunday. Photo: Facebook / Pacific Mini Games Palau 2025 Dr Tellei said Palau is ready to host the Games. "We are excited, and we have done our best to make sure we host the Games to the best of our abilities, with what we have," he said. Twenty-four countries are going to be represented at the event, where athletes will compete in 12 sports. "The whole nation is excited," he added. President Surangel Whipps Jnr joined athletes, leaders, and the community to celebrate the opening of 11 newly upgraded venues for the Pacific Mini Games earlier this month. Photo: Office of the President, Republic of Palau Team Papua New Guinea arrived via two chartered flights, making the three-hours flight across from Port Moresby to Koror on Thursday. PNG won the last Mini Games in Saipan, Northern Marianas in 2022. PNG Olympic Committee president Emma Waiwai said in a statement that the athletes are ready to retain their title by winning the majority of medals at the event. The contingent is made up of 185 athletes and officials. Team PNG will be competing in nine of the 12 sports. These are in athlletics, basketball 3x3, beach volleyball, softball, swimming, table tennis, va'a (outrigger canoeing), volleyball (Indoor) and weightlifting. Waiwai said Team PNG will compete in both the men's and women's divisions for these nine sports except for beach and indoor volleyball, which will only field the men's teams while softball is only for women. "Team PNG athletes are some of the best in the Pacific and the Oceania region, and also the Commonwealth, and are always proud to represent their country," Waiwai said. "I am always proud to see our athletes run out in our national colours, and I look forward to seeing them flying our flag in Palau." Members of Team PNG for the 2025 Pacific Mini Games set to officially open on Sunday. Photo: Facebook / Pacific Mini Games Palau 2025 Government chartered two Air Niugini flighjts, and approved support budget around US$988,000. The Post-Courier newspaper reported Sports Minister Kinoka Feo confirming the funding during the farewell ceremony held at Port Moresby's Taurama Aquatic Centre (TAC). Feo also farewelled the contingent on behalf of Prime Minister James Marape, the PNG Government, and the PNG Sports Foundation. "To our athletes, this moment is a celebration of your dedication, sacrifice and hard work you have all put in to prepare for this event," he told athletes and officials. "You've trained in the heat, in the rain, in the early mornings and late evenings. Now you are going to wear the red, black and gold on the international stage not just as competitors but as ambassadors of our great country. "Champions are not born overnight, they are born through hard work, dedication and commitment, so as you head to Palau, I encourage you to compete with everything that you have and don't hold back. Let the flag on your chest remind you of who you are and where you come from. Let it drive you to dig deeper, find the energy, courage, and strength even when it gets tough out there." Waiwai thanked the PNG Government "for standing behind Team PNG time and again, even at the 11th hour, to ensure our athletes have the support they need to represent our country with pride". She also acknowledged the sponsors for their support as Team PNG head off to defend the title that they won at the last Pacific Games in the Northern Mariana Islands. Josh Tarere from swimming and Thelma Toua of weightlifting will be the PNG flag bearers. Tarere has represented PNG for eight years,and made his international debut at just 18 years old at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. The 25 year old is one of the veterans in the team. Toua has competed at the Commonwealth and Oceania Championships, IWF World Championship, Pacific Mini Games, and the prestigious Arnold Schwarzenegger Tournament in Melbourne. She is the current Oceania Champion in her category. Team Cook Islands have named beach volleyball players Brendon Heath and Alanna Smith as their official flagbearers at the Games. Cook Islands News said Smith has represented the Cook Islands in international competitions. Smith is teaming up with Twinna Tangirere at the upcoming Mini Games. Veteran volleyball player Heath, who is also the U18 beach volleyball head coach, has teamed up with Raiti Herman. Smith said it is an awesome opportunity to showcase Cook Islands culture, song and drumming. With their focus set on upcoming international meets, Team Fiji officials are optimistic the experience in Palau will be good for their young athletes. A chance to gain exposure at a prominent level will be a key objective for young athletes travelling with Team Fiji for the Pacific Mini Games in Palau. Chef de mission Josaia Tuinamata told FASANOC media in Nadi, before their first contingent left for Palau on Friday morning, that they are taking alot of young athelets to help their development at the Mini Games. Some of the events they want to build up for includes the Pacific Games and the Olympic Games. "I think the athletes they'll do well, because we're looking to Los Angeles in 2028," he said. "Tahiti is in 2027 and also our home-based Game advantage, which is Brisbane in 2032. "We expect medals. At least the seniors can push the youth, because some of them will be finishing, some will be having this as their last tour and then we'll rely on our youths come next year for the Youth Games." Team Fiji general manager Anushil Kumar told The Fiji Times majority of their athletes are youths and they had a lot to look forward to. "It will be the first time for quite a few of them because with the new youth component coming on for the Pacific Mini Games by the Pacific Games Council, a majority of Team Fiji's contingent are youths," Kumar said. "They have a lot to look forward to and I think it will be a big once in a lifetime achievement for most of them." He said the Mini Games would be the ideal platform to build athletes up for the Pacific Games in Tahiti in two years' time. Team Fiji will compete in the 12 sports, with a total of 186 athletes and officials scheduled for Palau. Team Vanuatu for the 2025 Pacific Mini Games. Photo: Facebook / Vasanoc Profil The Vanuatu Government will spend US$333,417 to charter a flight for its national contingent tot he Games. This announcement was made by the Minister of Justice, Youth and Community Services, Job Andy in Vila on Thursday. Vanuatu Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee chief executive David Lolo had told RNZ Pacific last month they had sought goverment's assistance for the contingent. Thursday's announcement means the athletes and officials will be in Koror before the opening ceremony on Sunday. Team Vanuatu has also announced that volleyball's Stivano Banga and judoka Veronica Tari will be the country's flagbearers at the Games. The Solomon islands National Sport Council (NSC) has announced an incentive package for national athletes representing the country at the Games. Athletes can receive SD$7,000 for Gold, SD$5,000 for Silver and SD$3,000 for Bronze. Sun Sports in Honiara said NSC Chairman Joe Sika had confirmed the medal incentives will be awarded to all athletes representing Team Solomon. "The NSC Board has approved medal incentives for our athletes," Sika said. "These incentives will be issued for both team and individual sports upon the athletes' return from Palau. "We look forward to the athletes achieving new personal bests, new national and Pacific records, and medals to make the Solomon Islands proud." The NSC has also funded 70 members of Team Solomon for the Games. Team Solomons will compete in archery, athletics, baseball, basketball (3x3), judo, swimming, table tennis, triathlon, Va'a, volleyball (both beach and indoor), weightlifting, and wrestling. Tonga hsd 33 athletes in Palau. The Tonga Sports Association and National Olympic Committee (TASANOC) has confirmed Tonga will compete in archery, athletics, basketball, beach volleyball, table tennis, swimming and weightlifting. The archery team was the first to arrive in Koror. Members of Team Tonga for the 2025 Pacific Mini Games set to officially open on Sunday. Photo: Team Tonga Almost half of Team Marianas contingent are females. Mariannas Variety reported this week that it was heartening for the county to see so many females and youths in their contingent. Northern Marianas Sports Association president Jerry Tan said it is exciting. "The future of sports in the CNMI is bright," Tan said, while farewelling the team in Saipan this week. Tan noted that 40 percent of the athletes are under the age of 18 and 47 percent are women. "Almost half of this group are women," Tan continued. "One thing about sports is that it's played by both men and women, but usually, it's a lot easier to recruit boys and men. "In our case, we're just so happy to see that we only need three percent more to reach 50 percent. What does that mean? It means the future of sports in the CNMI is bright." *RNZ Pacific's digital journalist Coco Lance leading our coverage of the Mini Games from Koror.
RNZ News
28-05-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
Palau ready to host Pacific Mini Games
Team Palau's Jezzlee Baiei competes at the Honiara Games in Solomon Islands. Weightlifting will be one of 12 sports at the Palau Mini Games next month. Photo: ONOC / Kirk Corrie Palau is ready to host the 2025 Pacific Mini Games. That's the assurance from Dr Patrick Tellei, chairman of the Games Organising Committee. He has promised athletes, officials and fans "an exciting [the] and best game", starting off when the moment they arrive in the capital Koror. "We are excited, and we're doing the best we can to make sure we host the Games to the best of our abilities, with what we have," Dr Tellei told RNZ Pacific. With a month to go before the Games' official opening on 29 June, Palau is now rolling out what they hope will ensure the Games - the second they are hosting - rolls right from start to finish. Twenty-four countries are going to be represented at the event, where athletes will compete in 12 sports, majority of them played in Micronesia, which means some of the more popular sports in the Melanesian and Polynesian regions have been excluded. But Dr Tellei said that should not be a problem. Backed by government and the stakeholder federations, the organising committee have worked around the clock to ensure that all facilities earmarked for use during the Games are ready in time. Dr Tellei said having those infrastructure in place and the economic benefits hosting the Games will give the country, are going to be massive for Palau. "I think it's very important for us and we're happy that 20 years later, we are now having an opportunity to host it again," he said. "Coming on the heels of Covid-19 and Palau being tourism dependent economy, I think anytime there is enough number of visitors, such as athletes coming to the Games and supporters, it will bring in more people. "The whole nation is excited. From the economic standpoint, although these athletes are staying in the villages, and they're on a very limited per diems, I'm sure there will be others who will go out of their way to check what's available in and around what Palau has to offer." He said the focus has also been on ensuring that the support services for athletes and officials are well in place. "We're hoping that people will enjoy their stay and they will be well accommodated, they will be fed well, they'll be well transported to and from venies," he said. "I think they expect to see a country that's ready. There's a sense of excitement all around the country." Palau last hosted Mini Games in 2005. They have hosted the Micronesian Games in the past but Dr Tellei believes the standard of competition that will be seen at the Mini Games will be tougher than what the Micronesian athletes have tasted in the past. "We know that the Pacific Games is way above the Micronesian Games," he said. "It's a different level of sport, and we're very excited because it bring a new level of competition. Our country and our people will be able to witness the level of competition. "We're excited to be the host, and hopefully we'll win a medal or two in this event also." To that point he said it would be tough on Team Palau as hosts to claim medals, with expected tugh competition coming from all pariticipating countries. "The last time we hosted the Games in Palau, we were very fortunate, because that's the first time we medalled," he said. "Looking at this year, I'm looking at some home advantage, but we know the big powerhouses in the previous Games will always be powerhouses. "We have Tahiti, New Caledonia, Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Cook Island, the big countries. "But we will be competitive in baseball and I have high hopes in our beach volleyball, our tri-athletes, women softball, which are pretty much Micronesian sports. "I guess between Guam, CNMI, Palau, FSM and the RMI will be fighting hard for that." He was also excited about Palau's weightlifting and wrestling teams, who have won medals for the country in the past. Dr Tellei said all facilitieas for the Games are ready for use. That is something the committee has focused on, with strict deadlines to adhere to. The facilties also includes the Games Village, where athletes will be accommodated. "All our all our facilities are ready," he said. Building new facilities and renovating existing ones have been on the go since day one. Keeping the preparatory work within budget has also been a focus for the committee. The Palau National Government fiscal 2025 budget appropriated $1.2 million to the committee to cover the cost of hosting, with an additional $200,000 included in a supplemental budget. Dr Tellei said despite some costs going up they have magaed to work within their budget allocation. Community support has also been a major part of the preparation, with $100,000 as community donation to the cause. Keeping with international sports regulations, the Palau Games will be tobacco, alcohol and drug free. Dr Tellei is hoping all teams participating at the Games will taker note of that and be ready to abide by the rules of engagement. "Because Palau is a very health conscious community, smoking in public places are prohibited," he said. "Vaping is prohibited and we will declare the Games drug, alcohol and tobacco free competition. "That's not to say that people who really need to smoke or have alcohol use it can't but you need to be away from the public facilities, that includes the villages and the sports venues." Dr Tellei said they are excited to welcome the first arrivals in the third week of June, confident that when the competition proper does get off, the Pacific will be celebrating Palau and what it has to offer.
RNZ News
26-05-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Pasifika Sipoti in brief for 26 May
Team Palau marches for the opening of the 10th Micronesian Games in Majuro. Photo: Giff Johnson Palau Mini Games organising committee chairman Dr Patrick Telle says hosting the event after 20 years is something the people of Palau are looking forward to. Telle said having teams from 24 countries in Koror, Palau's capital city, will be a boost. "The whole nation is excited," he said. "I'm sure from the economic standpoint - although the athletes are staying in the villages and they're on very limited per diems and we're providing meals for them - I'm sure there will be others who go out of their way to check what's available in and around, and what Palau has to offer." The Mini Games will officially open in Koror on 29 June. Dr Telle said they understand the level of competition the Games present for local athletes and is hopeful the team can win some medals at the event. Twenty-four countries are scheduled to compete in 12 different sports. A 17-year-old Nevada State high school sprint champion could be racing for Samoa at the 2027 Pacific Games. Jayden 'JT' Thompson won the Nevada senior boy's 100 and 200-metre titles this month. His dad, Jeremaine Thompson, said his son qualifies to represent Samoa, the Phillipines or the United States of America, through his heritage. Jayden Thompson stopped the clock at 10.44 seconds in the 100 metres and 21.06s in the 200 metres final, at the Nevada State event. The Oceania Rugby Under-20s Challenge tournament will feature Canada against the Pacific three teams of Fiji, Samoa and Tonga. The event will kick off in Nadi, Fiji on Wednesday, 28 May and run until 7 June. Pacific island teams Fiji and New Caledonia have been drawn in tough pools at the upcoming FIFA Under-17 World Cup. Fiji is in group D along with Argentina, Belgium and Tunisia, while New Caledonia has Japan, Morocco and Portugal in group B. Oceania champions New Zealand are in group L with Mali, Austria and Saudi Arabia. The Under-17 football World Cup will be held in Qatar in November. Team Papua New Guinea's volleyball campaign at the upcoming Mini Games in Palau has received a timely boost, with a local company sponsoring their team uniforms. NBC PNG reports Moni Plus, a company based in Port Moresby, has stepped in to help the volleyball team by funding the purchase of 56 pairs of uniforms from the Philippines. PNG Volleyball Federation president Edward Aisi said the sponsorship is crucial, with four teams preparing to compete in the men's and women's beach volleyball, plus the men's and women's indoor volleyball. A student with Tongan heritage has won the 2025 3C2A California State Championship women's shot put. Jane Seymour Taufa is a sophomore at the College of San Mateo. Tonga Independent News reported Taufa threw the shotput 13.98 metres, to claim the state title in her division. This adds to other titles she has won this year.
