The three-day leadership camp had a major turn out with 132 young leaders and coaches that came and participated in this summer program.
Most people know that the youth of Palau are the future of the Republic of Palau. This truth is both exciting and yet troubling. It is exciting because with all the change that is taking place, we need fresh energy and strength to keep up with the changes. The troubling part of our future is that many youths are being swept away by the strong negative influences that are constantly attacking them. Palau National Olympic Committee (PNOC) is passionate about creating unique opportunities to develop these future leaders.
Belau Sports Leadership Camp was a direct attempt to influence the young people of Palau with both sports skill development but also character and leadership development.
Therefore, Palau National Olympic Committee and its National Sports Federations partnering with Omekulel a Biblia in an effort to firmly plant leadership truths in the lives of the future leaders of Palau. It is our hope that each young person will continue to produce fruit for years to come. One of our goals of this camp was to influence the heart. The amazing thing about change is that it is contagious! We believe that this leadership camp can create a very needed positive momentum. We aimed to provide each young person with a wonderful opportunity to develop in their sports skills but also to challenge their minds to look to God for help with life’s challenges.
Belau Sports Leadership Camp was designed to develop each coach and athlete in leadership development and skill training towards a sustainable developmental strategy for their sport. A leadership principle was taught each day from John Maxwell’s book “Leading from the Lockers”. The three leadership principles included Positive Attitude, Value Relationships, and Problem Solving. Participants were challenged to practice the leadership principle through out the day. At the end of the camp, leadership awards were presented to the kids that stood out demonstrating the leadership principles. Thanks to PNOC’s sponsorship, each participant and coach was gifted with a copy of Maxwell’s book at the end of camp.
This year featured three sports on the camp which are Basketball, Volleyball and Wrestling. Each participant chose which sport they will participate during the three-day camp. This is the first year PNOC is conducting this program but plans to continue this every summer and partner with the different sports federations to use sport as a tool to develop the leadership skills of the youth of Palau. The Belau Sports Leadership camp along with athletes and coaches would like to thank all the sponsors and supporters especially Palau NOC, Palau Women & Sports Commission, Surangel & Son’s Company, and friends and families of the athletes.
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