YAREN (MARIANAS VARIETY) — On Sunday, 047 September 2025, the Republic of Nauru welcomed sports leaders from across Micronesia this weekend for the annual general meeting of the Micronesian Games Council held at the Nauru Parliament. Delegates from all ten member nations gathered to discuss the future of the Games and celebrate a shared commitment to athletic development and regional cooperation.
The meeting was led by MGC President Joey Miranda III and featured opening remarks from Nauru’s Minister for Sports Jesse Jeremiah, and Speaker of Parliament Marcus Stephen, who also serves as president of the Nauru Micronesia Games Association. Their messages reflected Nauru’s deep pride and readiness to host the Micronesia Games for the first time.
Due to ongoing construction on Nauru’s first national stadium, the Council approved a proposal to reschedule the 11th Micronesian Games from 2026 to an established date of 14-23 January 2028. Representatives from China Harbor Engineering Company, the firm overseeing stadium development, confirmed that work is underway and on track for completion by Dec. 2027.
The new timeline aligns with Nauru’s 60th Independence Anniversary, promising a month of celebration, competition, and cultural pride.
“This is a moment for our youth and our nation to shine,” said Speaker Marcus Stephen.
“We’re ready to rise to the occasion and welcome the region with open arms,” said Sean Oppenheimer, Nauru MGA secretary-general.
The 2028 Games will feature a robust lineup of traditional and modern sports, including: Athletics, Basketball (5×5 and 3×3), Volleyball (Beach and Indoor), Wrestling, Judo, Table Tennis, Tennis, Weightlifting, Wrestling, Beach Wrestling along with the traditional sports of the Micronesian All Around and Underwater Spearfishing.
In addition, Nauru MGA proposed five new optional sports to broaden participation and celebrate local culture: Boxing, Cycling, Darts, Judo, Powerlifting, and the inclusion of Fishing Trolling in the traditional sports programme. These proposals will be reviewed during a virtual meeting scheduled for 10 January 2026.
Following their annual general meeting, the delegate embarked on guided tours of proposed venues, including athlete accommodations, competition sites, and cultural event spaces….PACNEWS