Latest news with #PacificMiniGames
Scoop
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Scoop
'We Have Done Our Best': Palau Ready To Host The 2025 Pacific Mini Games
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. 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, with athletes competing across 12 sports. "The whole nation is excited," he added. Papua New Guinea 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 athletics, 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." Government chartered two Air Niugini flights, 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. Cook Islands 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. Fiji 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 a lot of young athletes 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. Vanuatu The Vanuatu Government will spend US$333,417 to charter a flight for its national contingent to the 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 government'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. Solomon Islands 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 Tonga had 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. Northern Marianas 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 will be leading our coverage of the Mini Games from Koror.
RNZ News
a day 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.
ABC News
2 days ago
- Politics
- ABC News
Budget day in Fiji as government braces for economic shock from the Middle East
On the program today Fiji's government is set to present its national budget later this morning promising investments in jobs, infrastructure, and social protections. Australia seeks to cement its place as the Solomon Islands' "security partner of choice." The final investigation report into an aircraft accident involving a Lulutai Airlines in Tonga comes to light. Rugby league legend Marcus Bai reveals his thoughts on what PNG's rugby league team should be called. A rugby representative team composing of players of Pacific Islander and First Nations heritage unveils its jersey to face the British & Irish Lions. And Palau makes final preparations ahead of the Pacific Mini Games.
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
12-05-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Over 160 CNMI athletes bound for Palau Mini Games
Janelle Pangilinan, left, and Jen Savellano in action during for CNMI during the Pacific Mini Games 2022. (file image) Photo: Northern Marianas Badminton Association Over 160-member delegation of athletes, coaches, and officials will represent the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau. CNMI chef de mission Nick Gross has confirmed Team NMI's participation in nine out of 12 official sports. "This will be one of the largest CNMI delegations we've ever sent to a Mini Games," Gross said in an interview. "It's a testament to how far we've come in terms of athlete development and how committed our sports federations are in making sure we show up, compete, and grow." The CNMI will compete in baseball, softball, athletics, swimming, triathlon, beach volleyball, weightlifting, wrestling, and va'a (outrigger canoe). In addition, the CNMI will also field a team in 3x3 basketball, which is being contested as a stand-alone FIBA qualifier. Of the nine, Gross expects the CNMI to do well baseball, swimming, beach volleyball, and weightlifting. "While we look forward to fantastic performances from all of our sports being represented, we are looking forward to medaling in baseball, swimming (numerous events), beach volleyball, and weightlifting (numerous), and we're hopeful to pick-up medals in a few other sports, as well." Sports not represented are judo, table tennis, and archery due to the absence of active national federations or readiness to field competitive teams. This will be one of the largest CNMI delegations we've ever sent to a Pacific Mini Games Photo: Mark Rabago "We wanted to be in every sport, but we also have to be realistic," Gross said. "Without local federations to govern and train athletes year-round in those sports, we simply couldn't meet the standards or timelines." He added that efforts are underway to rebuild those federations in time for the 2026 Northern Marianas Pacific Games. Several events in Palau will include 19-under divisions, such as wrestling, swimming, triathlon, indoor volleyball, and va'a. Gross welcomed the shift. "This opens the door for our up-and-coming athletes. It gives our youth the chance to compete on the international stage and get battle-tested," he said. For 3x3 basketball, the age window is 18 to 23 years old, as the event doubles as a qualifier for the FIBA Asia Cup. "The Mini Games Council wants to see developmental pipelines from all nations, and this new format helps achieve that. We're adjusting, and in the long run it strengthens our sports programs." With travel costs surging, the CNMI's sports governing body, the Northern Marianas Sports Association, is covering approximately 60 percent of travel and per diem costs for athletes and officials. "This would not be possible without the support of our community and government," Gross said. "This is a real team effort," Gross said. "We've had parents, schools, companies, and agencies step up. Now it's time for our athletes to step up and represent." Gross said all rosters are nearly finalized and will be submitted to the Palau Games organizing committee by May 15. Team NMI is expected to be especially competitive in baseball, beach volleyball, swimming, and weightlifting. While winning medals remains the goal, Gross said the larger mission is to gain experience, build camaraderie, and keep raising the CNMI's international profile. "Every Games, we improve. We're more organized, more prepared, and more motivated. These athletes are not just representing themselves-they're representing the next generation." The 2025 Pacific Mini Games will open next month in Palau.
