Koror, Palau – Nov. 9, 2024 – Bligh Madris, Palau’s first Major League Baseball player with the Detroit Tigers, and Jessica Mendoza, Olympic softball gold medalist and ESPN sports analyst, showed their support for environmental conservation by signing the Palau Pledge during the celebration of the 9th anniversary of the Palau National Marine Sanctuary (PNMS) at the Ocean Stories Film Festival.
The event, hosted at the Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC), featured Madris and Mendoza as US Embassy Sports Envoys. US Ambassador to Palau Joel Ehrendreich introduced the envoys, commending them and the people of Palau for their dedication to ocean protection. The Palau Pledge, which all visitors to the island nation are encouraged to sign, commits signatories to preserving Palau’s natural environment and cultural heritage.
In a special gesture, Madris signed the pledge in Palauan, “el tekoi er Belau,” with encouragement from his mother, who jokingly vowed to keep him accountable for upholding it.
The Ocean Stories Film Festival showcased short films by children from Palau and American Samoa, reflecting the next generation’s focus on marine conservation. The festival wrapped up a week of activities, including the “Lebuu’s Voyage” on the E/V Nautilus, dedicated to raising awareness about the sanctuary and marine biodiversity.
During the festival, the sports envoys engaged with the community, signing baseballs for young little league players and discussing Olympic experiences with local female fast-pitch players. The event attracted a large turnout, reinforcing the importance of environmental stewardship in Palau. (source: press release)