Latest news with #PacificMiniGames
RNZ News
28-05-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
Palau ready to host Pacific Mini Games
Team Palau's Jezzlee Baiei competes at the Honiara Games in Solomon Islands. Weightlifting will be one of 12 sports at the Palau Mini Games next month. Photo: ONOC / Kirk Corrie Palau is ready to host the 2025 Pacific Mini Games. That's the assurance from Dr Patrick Tellei, chairman of the Games Organising Committee. He has promised athletes, officials and fans "an exciting [the] and best game", starting off when the moment they arrive in the capital Koror. "We are excited, and we're doing the best we can to make sure we host the Games to the best of our abilities, with what we have," Dr Tellei told RNZ Pacific. With a month to go before the Games' official opening on 29 June, Palau is now rolling out what they hope will ensure the Games - the second they are hosting - rolls right from start to finish. Twenty-four countries are going to be represented at the event, where athletes will compete in 12 sports, majority of them played in Micronesia, which means some of the more popular sports in the Melanesian and Polynesian regions have been excluded. But Dr Tellei said that should not be a problem. Backed by government and the stakeholder federations, the organising committee have worked around the clock to ensure that all facilities earmarked for use during the Games are ready in time. Dr Tellei said having those infrastructure in place and the economic benefits hosting the Games will give the country, are going to be massive for Palau. "I think it's very important for us and we're happy that 20 years later, we are now having an opportunity to host it again," he said. "Coming on the heels of Covid-19 and Palau being tourism dependent economy, I think anytime there is enough number of visitors, such as athletes coming to the Games and supporters, it will bring in more people. "The whole nation is excited. From the economic standpoint, although these athletes are staying in the villages, and they're on a very limited per diems, I'm sure there will be others who will go out of their way to check what's available in and around what Palau has to offer." He said the focus has also been on ensuring that the support services for athletes and officials are well in place. "We're hoping that people will enjoy their stay and they will be well accommodated, they will be fed well, they'll be well transported to and from venies," he said. "I think they expect to see a country that's ready. There's a sense of excitement all around the country." Palau last hosted Mini Games in 2005. They have hosted the Micronesian Games in the past but Dr Tellei believes the standard of competition that will be seen at the Mini Games will be tougher than what the Micronesian athletes have tasted in the past. "We know that the Pacific Games is way above the Micronesian Games," he said. "It's a different level of sport, and we're very excited because it bring a new level of competition. Our country and our people will be able to witness the level of competition. "We're excited to be the host, and hopefully we'll win a medal or two in this event also." To that point he said it would be tough on Team Palau as hosts to claim medals, with expected tugh competition coming from all pariticipating countries. "The last time we hosted the Games in Palau, we were very fortunate, because that's the first time we medalled," he said. "Looking at this year, I'm looking at some home advantage, but we know the big powerhouses in the previous Games will always be powerhouses. "We have Tahiti, New Caledonia, Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Cook Island, the big countries. "But we will be competitive in baseball and I have high hopes in our beach volleyball, our tri-athletes, women softball, which are pretty much Micronesian sports. "I guess between Guam, CNMI, Palau, FSM and the RMI will be fighting hard for that." He was also excited about Palau's weightlifting and wrestling teams, who have won medals for the country in the past. Dr Tellei said all facilitieas for the Games are ready for use. That is something the committee has focused on, with strict deadlines to adhere to. The facilties also includes the Games Village, where athletes will be accommodated. "All our all our facilities are ready," he said. Building new facilities and renovating existing ones have been on the go since day one. Keeping the preparatory work within budget has also been a focus for the committee. The Palau National Government fiscal 2025 budget appropriated $1.2 million to the committee to cover the cost of hosting, with an additional $200,000 included in a supplemental budget. Dr Tellei said despite some costs going up they have magaed to work within their budget allocation. Community support has also been a major part of the preparation, with $100,000 as community donation to the cause. Keeping with international sports regulations, the Palau Games will be tobacco, alcohol and drug free. Dr Tellei is hoping all teams participating at the Games will taker note of that and be ready to abide by the rules of engagement. "Because Palau is a very health conscious community, smoking in public places are prohibited," he said. "Vaping is prohibited and we will declare the Games drug, alcohol and tobacco free competition. "That's not to say that people who really need to smoke or have alcohol use it can't but you need to be away from the public facilities, that includes the villages and the sports venues." Dr Tellei said they are excited to welcome the first arrivals in the third week of June, confident that when the competition proper does get off, the Pacific will be celebrating Palau and what it has to offer.
RNZ News
12-05-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Over 160 CNMI athletes bound for Palau Mini Games
Janelle Pangilinan, left, and Jen Savellano in action during for CNMI during the Pacific Mini Games 2022. (file image) Photo: Northern Marianas Badminton Association Over 160-member delegation of athletes, coaches, and officials will represent the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau. CNMI chef de mission Nick Gross has confirmed Team NMI's participation in nine out of 12 official sports. "This will be one of the largest CNMI delegations we've ever sent to a Mini Games," Gross said in an interview. "It's a testament to how far we've come in terms of athlete development and how committed our sports federations are in making sure we show up, compete, and grow." The CNMI will compete in baseball, softball, athletics, swimming, triathlon, beach volleyball, weightlifting, wrestling, and va'a (outrigger canoe). In addition, the CNMI will also field a team in 3x3 basketball, which is being contested as a stand-alone FIBA qualifier. Of the nine, Gross expects the CNMI to do well baseball, swimming, beach volleyball, and weightlifting. "While we look forward to fantastic performances from all of our sports being represented, we are looking forward to medaling in baseball, swimming (numerous events), beach volleyball, and weightlifting (numerous), and we're hopeful to pick-up medals in a few other sports, as well." Sports not represented are judo, table tennis, and archery due to the absence of active national federations or readiness to field competitive teams. This will be one of the largest CNMI delegations we've ever sent to a Pacific Mini Games Photo: Mark Rabago "We wanted to be in every sport, but we also have to be realistic," Gross said. "Without local federations to govern and train athletes year-round in those sports, we simply couldn't meet the standards or timelines." He added that efforts are underway to rebuild those federations in time for the 2026 Northern Marianas Pacific Games. Several events in Palau will include 19-under divisions, such as wrestling, swimming, triathlon, indoor volleyball, and va'a. Gross welcomed the shift. "This opens the door for our up-and-coming athletes. It gives our youth the chance to compete on the international stage and get battle-tested," he said. For 3x3 basketball, the age window is 18 to 23 years old, as the event doubles as a qualifier for the FIBA Asia Cup. "The Mini Games Council wants to see developmental pipelines from all nations, and this new format helps achieve that. We're adjusting, and in the long run it strengthens our sports programs." With travel costs surging, the CNMI's sports governing body, the Northern Marianas Sports Association, is covering approximately 60 percent of travel and per diem costs for athletes and officials. "This would not be possible without the support of our community and government," Gross said. "This is a real team effort," Gross said. "We've had parents, schools, companies, and agencies step up. Now it's time for our athletes to step up and represent." Gross said all rosters are nearly finalized and will be submitted to the Palau Games organizing committee by May 15. Team NMI is expected to be especially competitive in baseball, beach volleyball, swimming, and weightlifting. While winning medals remains the goal, Gross said the larger mission is to gain experience, build camaraderie, and keep raising the CNMI's international profile. "Every Games, we improve. We're more organized, more prepared, and more motivated. These athletes are not just representing themselves-they're representing the next generation." The 2025 Pacific Mini Games will open next month in Palau.
RNZ News
07-05-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
2025 Pacific Mini Games: Weightlifters to represent New Zealand in Palau
Two-time Olympian and two-time Commonwealth Games medallist, David Liti, will lead the New Zealand Team in the Men's +110kg category. Photo: New Zealand Olympic Committee A nine-member weightlifting team will represent Team New Zealand at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau. The New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) confirmed this in a news release on Wednesday. Weightlifting New Zealand President Simon Kent said he is looking forward to a strong showing from the group at the event from 29 June to 9 July. Two-time Olympian and two-time Commonwealth Games medallist David Liti will lead the New Zealand Team in the Men's +110kg category. Kent said Liti's inclusion will be good for the team, which will have some debutants. "With a decade of international experience, David's presence will be a valuable asset to the group as they navigate being part of a multi-sport event," Kent said. "Five athletes will be making their New Zealand debuts at these Games, something we know will be a special time for them and their families. "The Pacific Mini Games are the ideal setting for these athletes to gain international experience, as competing in the Pacific offers its own unique challenges - the travel, foreign conditions and generally being out of their comfort zone are all factors for them to consider and ultimately lean into." Kent said the Palau 2025 Pacific Mini Games are a stepping stone on the journey for athletes hopeful of Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games selection. "Athletes from across the Commonwealth will compete in Palau, India, Norway and Samoa during the next 10 months, aiming to secure their spot on the final ranking list for next July's showpiece event in Glasgow," he added. NZOC chief executive Nicki Nicol also extended her support to Team New Zealand. "We're proud to support this talented group as they represent the New Zealand Team, particularly those who will wear the fern for the first time. "For some, the Pacific Mini Games could be the first step on their journey towards representing New Zealand at a major Games, and we wish them all the best for a successful campaign in Palau." New Zealand Team confirmed for the Palau 2025 Pacific Mini Games (*denotes New Zealand Team debut): Hannah Close* (26 years old, Women's Under-58kg), Holly Drain (26 years old, Women's Under-77kg), Sienna Fesolai (19 years old, Women's Under-69kg ), David Liti (28 years old, Men's +110kg), Tui-Alofa Patolo* (34 years old, Women's +86kg category), Louise Richards* (27 years old, Women's Under-63kg), Monica Saili-Hiakita* (27 years old, Women's Under-77kg), Judy Soloai* (30 years old, Women's +86kg), Vernon Taylor (26 years old, Men's Under-71kg)
Scoop
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Nine Athletes Confirmed For Palau 2025 Pacific Mini Games
Press Release – New Zealand Olympic Committee The New Zealand Team will be made up exclusively of weightlifters with Weightlifting New Zealand President, Simon Kent looking forward to a strong showing from the group. The New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) has confirmed a nine-strong New Zealand Team to compete at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games held in Palau from June 29 to July 9. The New Zealand Team will be made up exclusively of weightlifters with Weightlifting New Zealand President, Simon Kent looking forward to a strong showing from the group. 'Five athletes will be making their New Zealand debuts at these Games, something we know will be a special time for them and their families,' said Kent. 'The Pacific Mini Games are the ideal setting for these athletes to gain international experience, as competing in the Pacific offers its own unique challenges – the travel, foreign conditions and generally being out of their comfort zone are all factors for them to consider and ultimately lean into,' he said. Two-time Olympian and two-time Commonwealth Games medallist, David Liti, will represent the New Zealand Team in the Men's +110kg category, with Kent noting the benefit of Liti's inclusion. 'With a decade of international experience, David's presence will be a valuable asset to the group as they navigate being part of a multi-sport event,' said Kent. The Palau 2025 Pacific Mini Games are a stepping stone on the journey for athletes hopeful of Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games selection. 'Athletes from across the Commonwealth will compete in Palau, India, Norway and Samoa during the next 10 months, aiming to secure their spot on the final ranking list for next July's showpiece event in Glasgow,' said Kent. New Zealand Olympic Committee CEO, Nicki Nicol also extended her support to the Team. 'We're proud to support this talented group as they represent the New Zealand Team, particularly those who will wear the fern for the first time. For some, the Pacific Mini Games could be the first step on their journey towards representing New Zealand at a major Games, and we wish them all the best for a successful campaign in Palau,' said Nicol. The New Zealand Team confirmed for the Palau 2025 Pacific Mini Games (in alphabetical order, *denotes New Zealand Team debut): Hannah Close* (26 years old, Women's U58kg), Holly Drain (26 years old, Women's U77kg), Sienna Fesolai (19 years old, Women's U69kg), David Liti (28 years old, Men's +110kg), Tui-Alofa Patolo* (34 years old, Women's +86kg category), Louise Richards* (27 years old, Women's U63kg), Monica Saili-Hiakita* (27 years old, Women's U77kg), Judy Soloai* (30 years old, Women's +86kg), Vernon Taylor (26 years old, Men's U71kg)
Scoop
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Nine Athletes Confirmed For Palau 2025 Pacific Mini Games
The New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) has confirmed a nine-strong New Zealand Team to compete at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games held in Palau from June 29 to July 9. The New Zealand Team will be made up exclusively of weightlifters with Weightlifting New Zealand President, Simon Kent looking forward to a strong showing from the group. 'Five athletes will be making their New Zealand debuts at these Games, something we know will be a special time for them and their families,' said Kent. 'The Pacific Mini Games are the ideal setting for these athletes to gain international experience, as competing in the Pacific offers its own unique challenges - the travel, foreign conditions and generally being out of their comfort zone are all factors for them to consider and ultimately lean into,' he said. Two-time Olympian and two-time Commonwealth Games medallist, David Liti, will represent the New Zealand Team in the Men's +110kg category, with Kent noting the benefit of Liti's inclusion. 'With a decade of international experience, David's presence will be a valuable asset to the group as they navigate being part of a multi-sport event,' said Kent. The Palau 2025 Pacific Mini Games are a stepping stone on the journey for athletes hopeful of Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games selection. 'Athletes from across the Commonwealth will compete in Palau, India, Norway and Samoa during the next 10 months, aiming to secure their spot on the final ranking list for next July's showpiece event in Glasgow,' said Kent. New Zealand Olympic Committee CEO, Nicki Nicol also extended her support to the Team. 'We're proud to support this talented group as they represent the New Zealand Team, particularly those who will wear the fern for the first time. For some, the Pacific Mini Games could be the first step on their journey towards representing New Zealand at a major Games, and we wish them all the best for a successful campaign in Palau,' said Nicol. The New Zealand Team confirmed for the Palau 2025 Pacific Mini Games (in alphabetical order, *denotes New Zealand Team debut): Hannah Close* (26 years old, Women's U58kg), Holly Drain (26 years old, Women's U77kg), Sienna Fesolai (19 years old, Women's U69kg), David Liti (28 years old, Men's +110kg), Tui-Alofa Patolo* (34 years old, Women's +86kg category), Louise Richards* (27 years old, Women's U63kg), Monica Saili-Hiakita* (27 years old, Women's U77kg), Judy Soloai* (30 years old, Women's +86kg), Vernon Taylor (26 years old, Men's U71kg)
