KOROR, Palau — The Palau National Olympic Committee (PNOC) introduced its first-ever National Sports Strategy, “Palau Rising,” in a gathering with international partners on January 15 at the Palau Pacific Resort. The event, attended by diplomats and representatives from resident missions of the United States, Japan, Taiwan, and Australia, highlighted Palau’s ambitions to elevate sports as a driver of national development and international collaboration.
In his opening remarks, PNOC President Frank Kyota expressed gratitude to the diplomatic community for their support. “Today, we celebrate the launch of Palau’s first National Sports Strategy, a vision made possible with contributions from the Australian Government and the International Olympic Committee’s Olympic Solidarity Programme,” Kyota said.
The strategy, formally launched by President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. on December 11, 2024, has received endorsements from the Palau National Congress, the Council of Chiefs, the Association of State Governors, and the PNOC. It aims to integrate sports into national priorities, linking areas such as health, education, tourism, and infrastructure.
Building Global Partnerships
Kyota emphasized the importance of international partnerships in supporting Palau’s sports sector. He highlighted contributions from Australia, Japan, Taiwan, and the United States, which have provided resources such as high-performance funding, athlete exchanges, training programs, and para-sports initiatives. These collaborations have helped Palauan athletes compete on the world stage, including the Olympic Games in Tokyo and Paris, with aspirations for the Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032 Olympics.
“Palau Rising is not just a sports strategy; it’s a roadmap for leveraging sports to enhance regional development, diplomacy, and trade,” Kyota said.
Hosting the Pacific Mini-Games
A key milestone for Palau’s sports vision will be the Pacific Mini-Games, scheduled for June and July 2025. The event is expected to position Palau as a sports hub in the North Pacific while paving the way for future opportunities.
“This is a unique moment to harness the legacies of major sporting events,” Kyota said. “Through collaboration with our diplomatic partners, we aim to build a strong and thriving sports sector that benefits all Palauans.”
Strategic Priorities for the Future
The “Palau Rising” strategy outlines six key priorities to promote sustainable development through sports, focusing on physical activity, education, and community well-being. Kyota called on international partners to continue supporting Palau’s vision, emphasizing the role of sports diplomacy in fostering closer ties with global neighbors.
“A strong Palau is a healthy Palau, and an empowered athlete is a thriving citizen,” Kyota concluded. (By: L.N. Reklai)