Running The Show: The Youngsters Behind The Scenes At The Pacific Mini Games

Scoop

5 days ago

Article – RNZ
An unexpected group has been playing a key role in making the Mini Games a success.
, RNZ Pacific digital journalist in Koror, Palau
As the Pacific Mini Games heads towards to its closing ceremony, the spotlight remains firmly on the athletes, teams, and the sporting achievements making headlines across the region.
But behind the scenes, an unexpected group has been playing a key role in making the Games a success – Palau's young people.
RNZ Pacific caught up with a few of the youngsters to see how things have been going so far.
The Games' 10-year-old photographer
One standout is 10-year-old Yoshi, a local Palauan who has taken on one of the most important jobs at any event: photography.
The ten-year-old's approach is simple; he loves capturing moments that 'make people happy'.
'So, my name is Yoshi. I'm from Palau. My work here is as a photographer,' he said.
Yoshi has been working since the opening ceremony, covering events with his uncle's camera.
'I take the photos and my uncle edits them. When I'm older, I want to be a photographer, but first I need an editor that isn't my uncle.'
What draws him to photography?
'Because I could, like…it makes people happy, and I like to make people happy, and it's cool.'
He is using a fairly large, complicated camera, which he hadn't had much previous experience using. But he insisted it is not as hard as it might look.
'I don't think it's that hard to use…and, I've used it ever since the opening ceremony. What do I think of my photos? I think they're good; I think they're bad. I don't really know,' he shrugged.
Will we see Yoshi at the Games one day?
'Yeah, yeah, yeah,' he said.
'My favourite sport is swimming. And I really want to try skiing… I haven't skied before… I don't have a favourite athlete, because all of them are my favourites.'
Is taking photos a big responsibility for him?
He thought about it for a moment.
'Yes.'
But he's handling it all like a pro.
13-year-old police officer
Thirteen-year old Tadashi has been under the pump for the entirety of the Games, stepping up to the plate as a police officer.
Proudly repping his police vest, Tadashi said the venture is all about keeping athletes, spectators, and visitors safe and comfortable.
'My job is to protect the athletes and other people who are here to come and watch the games,' he said. 'To make them feel safe and comfortable and [so] no arguments happen here at the Games.'
His daily routine involves patrolling the event grounds, guiding cars, driving carts, and keeping an eye on any shenanigans.
'It's pretty fun. It's a pretty cool experience… no crazy things have happened so far,' he laughed.
He will be on duty right up until the closing ceremony, which is expected to be busy, and therefore strenuous.
'It can be fun; it can also be a bit stressful too,' he said.
When asked if his future career is aligned with his current role, Tadashi is sure about becoming an officer.
'Yes, I do want to be a police officer,' he said.
'Because you want to protect people and keep them safe. My family is very proud of me for helping protect everybody here… I have made them proud.'
The 19-year-old presenter
Delaney Termeteet, 19-years old, has been a stand-out at the Pacific Mini Games.
A Palauan local, she has captured attention across the region as host of The Daily Highlights, a local programme bringing daily coverage of the Games to viewers in Palau and across the region.
'This is the first time I've done anything or contributed to anything this large,' Termeteet said.
Before the Games, she interned as a host on All Around the Island, a local show focused on youth and community events.
However, hosting a regional broadcast watched by thousands has been a considerable leap in her career.
'It's quite intense, and at times it's a little scary, but knowing myself and what I'm capable of… it's been quite an experience,' she said.
Termeteet's work is part of a broader effort led by Palauan youth and student media workers who have teamed up with experienced professionals to produce daily coverage.
The team do not have access to a formal studio, and have instead opted to transform a training room at the local Palau Community College into a makeshift broadcast hub.
The room is complete with cameras, monitors, and some tech equipment.
'This is the first time the media in Palau has done something this large,' Termeteet said.
While it has all been quite the experience, with coverage of the Games remaining intense and fast-paced, Termeteet has chosen to soak in every moment.
'Stepping outside your comfort zone… is always the best experience possible,' she said.
'Every single role, whether small or big, contributes to the much larger picture. Without that small role, that picture wouldn't be a masterpiece,' she said.
Young basket runners
Nine-year-olds Teah, Ayami, and Rico, along with 10-year-old Mizuki, are among the youngest volunteers in Koror.
And they've been hard at work behind the scenes at the swimming events.
Over several days, the energetic team have been running up and down the swim aisles, helping make sure athletes' gear is sorted and ready to go.
'So we switch the baskets [in and out] once the swimmers' stuff is inside,' Rico said. 'We switch the empty ones with full baskets… it is an important job, it is fun – usually I like volunteering and helping people.'
When asked about what their favourite part of the job was:
'It's good to have something important to do,' Mizuki said.
'And we like making baskets. I swim… my favourite team is the Cook Islands; they're really nice,' Ayami added.
For Teah, it's the people who've made the biggest impression.
'I think my favourite thing here is meeting all the new people and helping the people who are in need,' Teah added.
The young volunteers at the Pacific Mini Games have certainly shown that age is no barrier to making a meaningful impact – and they will continue to do so right up until the final day on July 9.