By: Summer Kennard
KOROR, Palau (Aug. 25, 2025) — Palau’s Governors’ Association has decided the Belau National Games will not take place this year, citing time constraints, budget challenges and conflicts with other major national events.
The decision, reached at an Aug. 12 meeting of the 16 state governors, pushes the Games to 2026, with members stressing that funding should be included in next year’s national budget to allow for proper preparation.
Governor Henaro Polloi of Melekeok, chairman of the Governors’ Association, confirmed the consensus. “Yes, there will be no games this year,” Polloi said. “All the states agreed.”
The governors noted the overlap with the Olchotel Belau Fair, the Mechesil Belau Conference and Independence Day celebrations as reasons to delay. They also raised concerns about the limited time left in the fiscal year and financial strain on state governments.
The Palau National Olympic Committee had requested $50,000 in government support to host the Belau Games from Sept. 26 to Oct. 5, 2025. The request, made in a July 22 letter to the Olbiil Era Kelulau, sought funds for the event within fiscal year 2025, which ends Sept. 30. Because of the timing, a supplemental appropriation would have been required. Meanwhile, lawmakers are already deliberating the fiscal year 2026 budget, which takes effect Oct. 1.
Koror Governor Eyos Rudimch said his state was prepared to compete but backed the decision not to move forward in 2025. “Koror is ready to participate if there is Belau Games, but it really depends because Koror can’t play on their own and it is better with all the states included,” Rudimch said. “As of the Governor’s Association, we decided not to have games due to time and budget.”
Not everyone is on the same page. Senator Topps Sungino, chairman of the Youth Committee in the Olbiil Era Kelulau, voiced support for holding the Games despite the tight calendar. “Yes, I support, but we are still awaiting confirmation, so whatever happens,” Sungino said when asked about the scheduling challenges.
Athletes also expressed mixed reactions. One weightlifting competitor said they welcomed the delay. “I was not very enthusiastic when I heard Belau Games was announced, especially coming off the Pacific Mini Games and all the delays of setting up back for school and cleaning out facilities,” the athlete said. “I am glad we are not rushing it, so it can be executed and planned well.”
Others were more disappointed. An athletics athlete said they had looked forward to competing but agreed the Games should not be rushed. “I was definitely excited for Belau Games,” the athlete said. “But I think it should be done the right way and not poorly planned.”
The Belau Games, first held in 1984, were created to promote sports development and strengthen unity across Palau’s 16 states. Often referred to as the country’s “mini-Olympics,” the Games bring together hundreds of athletes in track and field, weightlifting, basketball, volleyball and other sports. The event has been credited with fostering national pride, developing young athletes who go on to regional competitions, and building community spirit through healthy competition.
The Governors’ Association, in a letter to the House of Delegates, emphasized its ongoing commitment to sports and community well-being, adding that the postponement was intended to preserve the quality of the Games while managing the demands of other national events and financial constraints.