Overview:
Koror Youth Volleyball Tournament: More Than Just a Game
Koror’s youth are spiking, diving, and scoring big against drugs! The recent volleyball tournament brought together teams from every hamlet, teaching discipline, teamwork, and leadership while keeping young people active and engaged. Sports aren’t just fun—they’re shaping the next generation of confident, community-minded leaders.
By: Laurel Marewibuel
KOROR, Palau — “When you’re training, competing, and building relationships with your teammates, you’re naturally creating healthy habits that don’t leave much room for negative influences,” Omtilou Tellei, coordinator of Youth Activity for the Koror State Government Office, said of the island’s latest push to steer youth clear of drugs.
The volleyball tournament, organized by the Koror State Youth Division (KSYD) and Koror State Youth Council (KSYC), drew teams from every Koror State hamlet for a high-energy Youth Day event packed with spikes, dives and life lessons.
Tellei, a new member of the Koror State Youth Council, explained how such sports keep Palau’s young people engaged in positive activities and away from illegal drugs. “Sports teach discipline, keep you physically active, and build a real sense of belonging, and that matters,” she said. “When kids feel like they’re part of a team that depends on them, they’re way more likely to make better choices and stay away from drugs and other harmful behaviors.”
She stressed the broader value of community sports programs. “Youth programs do so much more than just keep kids busy,” Tellei said. “They actually help shape character. They teach teamwork, resilience, and leadership in a hands-on way, and they create safe spaces where young people can connect, make friends, and learn from positive mentors and role models.”
Tellei hopes the tournament’s ripple effects endure. “Beyond just having fun and competing, I really hope this tournament helps participants build confidence in their skills and in themselves as people,” she said. “I’d love to see them leave with new friendships, a stronger sense of teamwork and sportsmanship, and maybe even the motivation to stay involved in other community activities and stay away from drugs.”