Youth Sports Festival this month
160 youths from around Palau are preparing for the Youth Sports Festival, set to begin at Palau Track and Field on Friday, July 17 at 2:30pm.
The sports competition, organized by the Palau National Olympic Committee (NOC) and members of various national sports federations, is scheduled for ten days, beginning on July 17 and continuing through Sunday, July 26. The young competitors, ages 6-19, will be divided into five teams, representing the five core values of the NOC: respect, pride, commitment, unity, and integrity. Over the course of the ten-day festival, they will compete in a variety of sports, including athletics, basketball, softball, swimming, table tennis, tennis, triathlon, volleyball, and wrestling.
“One of the most important life lessons that comes with playing sports is competition,” said the NOC in a welcome message. “Winning and losing in a respectable manner is a true sign of good sportsmanship.”
The opening ceremony will begin on Friday with the March of the Athletes, followed by prayer and opening remarks from the President of the NOC, followed by the oaths of the athletes and officials. The Kids Athletic events will follow from 5pm to 6:30pm.