Overview:
Ngiwal’s under-14 softball team bounced back from a loss to Airai with two decisive victories over Melekeok and Ngerchemai at the UN Day Youth Games, keeping its championship hopes alive.
By: Laurel Marewibuel
AIRAI, Palau (October 25, 2026) — Ngiwal’s 14-and-under youth softball team overcame a Saturday loss to close the United Nations Day Games, sponsored by Ngermid Empowered, with two decisive victories, keeping its championship hopes alive at Yelch Baseball Field.
The Ngiwal Kidz opened the weekend tournament Friday with a victory over Ngaraard. The team returned Saturday to face Airai, but dropped a hard-fought game in one of the tournament’s toughest matchups.
Rather than let the loss end its momentum, Ngiwal held a team meeting Sunday morning to refocus. The adjustment paid off quickly.
In the 10 a.m. opener, Ngiwal defeated Melekeok 13-2. The team then carried its momentum into the second game of the doubleheader, beating Ngerchemai 15-6 to finish the weekend on a strong note.
The victories showcased the young squad’s resilience, discipline and ability to recover under pressure. Coaches, families and supporters accompanied the players throughout the three-day tournament, which featured youth teams from across Palau.
“These games give our kids better options than staying home, stuck to their phones. The games are not only great exercise but also give them opportunity to network with their peers and build good relationships,” said a young mom from Ngermid who was watching and cheering with many parents from Koror and Babeldaob states.
The championship games were rescheduled for November because of upcoming community events. Ngiwal, Melekeok and Ngeremlengui are among the teams expected to travel to Peleliu State from Oct. 30 to Nov. 1 for the Palau Evangelical Church Youth Conference.
The youth teams participating in the UN Day Baseball Tournaments include teams from Ngerchemai, Ngaraard, Melekeok, Ngeremlengui, Ngiwal, and Airai. The tournament has 2 divisions: ages 7-13 and ages 14-16. The 7-13 division has 6 teams, and the 14-16 division has 4 teams.
Ngermid Youth Empowered, a Ngermid youth group and sponsor of the UN Day Baseball Games for youths, was formed to increase youth participation in positive, drug-free community activities. Ngermid Youth Empowered organized these events through a grant from the 2026 Palau-Taiwan Small Grants Program.