Palau President Surangel Whipps presents a medal at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games. Photo credit: Facebook/Office of the President, Republic of Palau.
Source: RNZ Pacific
Hosting the 2025 Pacific Mini Games is a significant undertaking – particularly for a small, remote nation like Palau.
Speaking to RNZ Pacific about the preparations as the host country for the 12th edition of the Mini Games – their second time since 2005 – Palau’s President Surangel Whipps Jr acknowledges the journey has been long and challenging, but more-so rewarding.
“In 2022, we established the the chairman of the Games and the Organising Committee,” President Whipps says.
“For example, construction for track and basketball began almost two years ago…and the basketball finished only a week before the Games.
“But you know, you live on islands – it’s tough to get facilities done quickly and I think, importantly, it involves planning.”
He adds some facilities, such as the 3×3 basketball court, were finished just a week before the competition started.
There were also some logistical challenges, including the attendance of more athletes than anticipated.
“We were scrambling for food and for bedding…but that’s a good problem to have,” President Whipps says.
“We were just blessed to have so many athletes from all across the Pacific showing up.”
President Whipps says this year’s event has been an embodiment of the Pacific spirit, with multiple athletes and attendees commenting on the balance between competitiveness and comradery.
Competition is fierce, but true to the Pacific way, unity and pride outshine any outcomes.
“I’ve been around attending all the different games,” he says.
“Listening to the Papua New Guinea and Fiji teams at the track and field, then the Vanuatu team…our Palau teams…it’s just been that kind of Games, there’s that spirit.
“We are one family.
“I watch all of these players, they’re going into nail-biting overtime… and hugging afterwards – that’s what you want to see, right?
“It is about sharing, supporting, and lifting each other up.”
Beyond the spectacle of the Games, which wraps up tonight, President Whipps saysthe event has been great for locals, and will have a lasting impact on the community.
Most facilities were built near the schools, with the intention they continue to serve as gyms and training venues for students long after the Games end.
“These facilities are all around schools… they can continue to be used, maintained, and really help our children,” President Whipps says.
“Hopefully we inspire more young athletes to continue to develop and compete.
“It is not just about today, it allows potential for future international events…it provides us with the tremendous opportunity to raise the level of competition and visibility.”
He adds the addition of a beach volleyball venue has opened up conversations around a youth World Cup event for the sport.
“We are meeting with the President of the Volleyball Federation that was here and seeing those opportunities; it’s not only allowing us to develop our youth, but also our legacy, to bring in more tournaments and events,” President Whipps says.
“Not only in the Pacific and Micronesia, but now thinking of events outside our region.”
Now, President Whipps is looking ahead to the closing ceremony, with hopes for more accessible flights to Palau and greater economic viability soon, continuing the momentum the Games has brought to the region.
“We are one ocean, one Pacific,” he says.
Pasifika TV is screening both live and highlights coverage of the 14th Pacific Mini Games.
Visit the Pasifika TV website for the current schedule.
