Koror – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is partnering with the Palau National Olympic Committee (PNOC) to host the 14th Annual Belau Games and advocate for gender equity, diversity, and inclusion in sports.
The partnership will underscore the need to ensure all athletes, regardless of their gender, nationality or disability, have access to resources, facilities, training, and competition opportunities in sports.
This year, IOM, with funding from the Embassy of the United States in Palau, will co-host the event and support live television coverage of the games. IOM will also promote gender-equity messaging throughout the event.
Over 1600 athletes of varying ages from all sixteen states of the Republic of Palau, will be participating in this year’s games which kicked off on 30 June 2023.
“IOM is very pleased to be a part of the Belau Games and support diversity among young athletes engaging in this sports event and beyond,” said Yohan Senarath, IOM Head of Sub-office in Palau.
“The continued and increased participation of women and girls in athletics events like the Belau Games will go a long way in empowering female athletes, showcasing their talents and supporting their physical and mental well-being,” he added.
Baklai Temengil, Secretary General of the Palau National Olympic Committee welcomed the partnership with IOM. “The broader objective of this partnership with IOM is to work towards eliminating all forms of discrimination, prejudice and bias based on gender, gender identity, nationality or disability.” She added that “sporting cultures that are diverse and inclusive translate into better performances on the court and the field.”
The games are expected to run until 9 July 2023. For games information, call Palau NOC at 488-6562.
For more information, please contact:
IOM Micronesia: Yohan Senarath, email: ysenarath@iom.int, telephone: +680-488-3113