Stevick Patris was awarded the Male Athlete of the Year and Dr. Nihla Reddin, the Female Athlete of the Year at last night’s 2023 PNOC Sports Banquet at the Palau National Gymnasium.
The annual event recognizes athletes in various sports, highlighting their achievements and growth in their specific sports. Various sports federations nominated athletes; from these athletes, the male and female top athletes were selected and awarded special recognitions.
In addition, the event also recognizes others that contribute to sports excellence. The Coach of the Year was awarded to Saki Naivana and Kali Tevid, who received the Tech Official of the Year award. The Sponsor of the Year Award went to Bluebay Corporation.
Athletes, coaches, sponsors, Palau National Olympic Committee members and Palau leaders, including President Surangel Whipps Jr. and Palau Council of Chiefs members, attended the event. Also present at the event were Mr. Vidhya Lakhan, President of the Pacific Games Council, and CEO of the Pacific Games Council Andrew Mingue, who are in Palau to conduct their first assessment of Palau’s readiness for the 2025 Pacific Mini-Games.