[Koror, Palau] [December 4, 2023] – Team Palau returned home from the 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara, Solomon Islands, with three bronze medals, a dozen new national records, and a top-five ranking in individual events. Despite being a relatively young team, with about 65% of athletes under the age of 23, they faced tough competition and achieved impressive results.
The team’s performance has fueled their ambition to garner the most gold medals at the 2024 Micronesian Games in Marshall Islands and more medals at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau. These ambitious goals require strong support from families, the community, and the leadership, not only during competitions but also during their training outside of competitions.
“We are calling for stronger support to sports from families, the community, and the leadership,” said Xyrus Salii Debold, a member of Team Palau. “We need full-time coaches, better incentives for athletes, coaches, part-time/full-time athletes, and student athletes to achieve our goals.”
Team Palau athletes have already resumed training and are preparing for the next set of regional games. They are determined to make Palau proud and bring home gold medals.
“We are training every day to get a spot in the national team and achieve gold,” said Evelyn Otto, athlete and Chair of the Palau Olympians and Athletes Commission. “Now it’s up to us to support them 110%, so we can all win together.”
Anyone interested in trying out for a national team or learning more about the National Team program for sports can reach out to sports federations, call the Palau NOC Office at 488-6562, or stop by the office at the Palau National Olympic Committee Office.
“Sports is never a just one time event, rather a lifetime for athletes, coaches, officials, and the whole sports entourage,” said Alonz Moses, Chef de Mission for Team Palau a member of the Palau NOC. “As it has always been for Palau in decades. One Team, One life – Palau.”