On Saturday, October 14th, 2023, the Palau Weightlifting Federation (PWF) hosted its 1st Annual Weightlifting Competition. The competition took place at the Palau National Gymnasium and was attended by 60 people. Participants in the competition were members of the Team Palau Weightlifting Team. This competition was a showcase of these athletes who will represent the Team Palau to the Pacific Games in Solomon Islands in November. The team consists of five (5) female athletes and eight (8) male athletes, most of whom are 18 years and younger.
The competition was judged by Coach Hsu-Shu Ching (Coach Jessie), Alexandra Patris and Xyrus Salii-Debold. The athletes were coached by Olympian Stevick Patris during the competition, many of whom achieved their personal bests in both the Snatch and Clean and Jerk sessions. For the past six weeks, the Team have been training under the tutelage of Coach Hsu-Shu Ching also known as Coach Jessie. Coach Jessie comes from the Republic of China – Taiwan Sports Administration as part of the sports development program between the Republic of Palau and ROC – Taiwan. She has been a vital part of the development of the weightlifting athletes in their preparations for their first Pacific Games participation. Coach Stevick and Coach Jessie are also using this opportunity to build the young weightlifters as they prepare themselves for games beyond the Pacific Games, with sights set on potential Olympic participation in the coming years.
The competition was made possible through the Republic of China Taiwan – Palau Small Grants Program. The Palau Weightlifting Federation would like to extend its deepest gratitude to the Republic of China-Taiwan for its support and collaboration. The PWF also recognizes the Palau National Olympic Committee (PNOC) for its contributions to the PWF program in supporting the Federation in providing a venue for the competition and logistical help. This competition is a first in a series of activities that the PWF have set to achieve this year. The Federation would like to engage more Palauan youth to participate in the sport of weightlifting to grow the sport in Palau. The weightlifting team trains every Monday to Saturday at the PCC Weightlifting Training Room from 4:00pm-8:00pm. For those interested, do not hesitate to contact the PWF President Stevick Patris or stop by the training room!