Overview:
Palau honored its top athletes, coaches, volunteers and sponsors at the 20th Biennial Sports Award Banquet, highlighting the Taiwan Embassy as Sponsor of the Year and charting the next steps for Team Palau on the international stage.
By: L.N. Reklai
Koror, Palau — “Sports unites us, strengthens our communities and elevates our nation,” PNOC President Frank Kyota said as Palau honored its athletes, coaches, volunteers and sponsors at the 20th Biennial Sports Award Banquet, celebrating key contributors to sports development and the athletes who continue to lift Palau’s profile on the regional and international stage.
The event recognized outstanding performers from each sports federation, culminating in the announcement of the overall Male and Female Athletes of the Year.
Kazuumi H. Nestor, nominated by the Palau Aquatics Federation, was named PNOC Male Athlete of the Year for 2025. Nestor has set 17 individual national records since 2023, 13 relay records, and earned multiple medals, including a silver at the 2023 Oceania Championships; gold, silver and bronze at the 2024 Micronesian Games; and two bronze medals at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games. PNOC said his high-level performances in international competitions solidified his selection.
Uilau Tarkong, nominated by the Palau Wrestling Federation, was awarded PNOC Female Athlete of the Year. She took first place in the 2023 Belau Games Women’s Wrestling Under-20 (72kg) and Beach Wrestling (72kg), secured the top podium position at the Oceania Championships in 2023 and 2024, and qualified for international Olympic events. Tarkong, now serving in the U.S. military, plans to continue advancing her wrestling career.
Federations also nominated their coaches, and Mlib Tmetuchl, of the Palau Baseball Federation, was selected as PNOC Coach of the Year. PNOC recognized his long-standing leadership in Palau’s baseball community, including over a decade of coaching and guiding the national baseball team to a gold medal at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games.
Sponsor of the Year Receives Special Recognition
The highlight of the evening was the PNOC Sponsor of the Year Award, presented to the Republic of China (Taiwan) Embassy in Palau, with special recognition of Ambassador Jessica Lee for her exceptional support. PNOC praised Taiwan’s consistent contributions across sports federations, including university-based athlete development programs in Taiwan, facility improvements for the 2025 Pacific Mini Games, provision of sports equipment for schools, and ongoing support for sports tourism activities such as the Omal marathon and cycling events.
“I am honored to receive the award for the Embassy… It’s very touching,” Taiwan Ambassador Lee said, noting Taiwan and Palau’s close cooperation and shared commitment to elevating sports. “Thank you for recognizing Taiwan and Palau’s friendship. Taiwan and Palau stand forever.”
Volunteers, Technical Staff Also Honored
Kyota also praised the contributions of volunteers, saying their “tireless service… is the heartbeat of our sporting movement.”
Ngara Mecherocher, Melekeok Traditional Men’s Club, was named PNOC Volunteer of the Year for its support of archery, triathlon, and events across outlying states and in Koror.
PNOC also recognized Dean Terry as Technical Officer of the Year for his advocacy of school sports and support of the 2024 Belau Youth Games, including programs connecting sports with physical and mental well-being.
Next Steps for Palau’s Athletes
PNOC Secretary General Baklai Temengil-Chilton said the focus now shifts to preparing athletes for a demanding cycle of upcoming competitions, including the 2026 Belau Games, 2026 Micronesian Games in Nauru, 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal, 2027 Pacific Games in Tahiti, 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, 2029 Pacific Mini Games in Cook Islands, 2030 Micronesian Games, 2031 Pacific Games in Tonga, and the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane.
“As you can see, half of Team Palau were under the age of 18,” she said. “Through sports, you really show the excellence in your character.”