Koror, Palau — The Palau National Olympic Committee (PNOC) has expressed its pride and congratulations to Kazuumi Nestor and Charlie Gibbons, who have been selected to represent Palau at the World Aquatics Swimming Championships in Budapest. “Good luck in your competition!” the PNOC stated in a press release. The committee also extended gratitude to Coach Jimmy Idip Jonas for his dedication and support as he travels with the team.
The championships, which began on December 10 and will run until December 15, feature athletes from around the globe competing in various swimming events at the Duna Arena.
In addition to the swimmers, two young reporters from Palau, Mr. Iyar Dolmers and Miss Maya-Elizabeth Bai, are also in Budapest to cover the event. They were selected after completing an intensive training program with the Reporters’ Academy, a UK-based organization.
“It felt like a big step and an accomplishment in my early career,” said Iyar during a recent interview. He emphasized the importance of stepping out of his comfort zone: “I assume that I’d be a cameraman but no; I’m going to interview athletes all over Oceania.”
Iyar also shared insights from his training with the Reporters Academy, stating, “It is a training on site… My takeaway from this is how I have to put myself in situations I’m not comfortable with.” He emphasized the importance of stepping out of his comfort zone and looking forward to networking with athletes in anticipation of next year’s Pacific Games.
During the Presidential press conference on December 11, guests from the Palau National Olympic Committee (PNOC) were present to officially launch the National Sports Strategy 2024-2034 as well as give insights into next year’s Pacific Games.
President Surangel Whipps Jr. highlighted the significance of sports for Palauan youth. “Sports teaches us about teamwork, how to be healthy, it teaches us to work together,” he stated. He also noted the importance of investing in youth sports development, emphasizing that “we need coaches, we need people to help these programs.”
“Sports is sort of an all-encompassing strategy that can contribute a big responsibility to Palauans,” remarked PNOC President Frank Kyota of the significance of sports in Palau’s development strategy. He thanked various stakeholders for their support and noted that there are only 200 days left until the opening ceremony of the Pacific Games.
“We are lucky that our palauan youth went to Budapest…the International Olympic Committee had a chance to see their videos,” said Baklai Temengil, Secretary General of PNOC, of the young reporters, their training and their role in promoting Palauan athletes on an international stage, adding that this exposure led to their inclusion in the Oceania team covering Palauan athletes.
As the championships progress, both Nestor and Gibbons will compete throughout the week, showcasing their skills on this prestigious platform. The PNOC continues to support its athletes and young reporters as they represent Palau on an international stage.
The team is expected to return home on December 16, 2024, bringing back experiences that will contribute significantly to their growth in sports and journalism. (By Samantha Iyar)