Latest news with #PacificMiniGames
ABC News
11-07-2025
- Sport
- ABC News
How their Pacific Mini Games legacy can be the catalyst to take sport in Palau to a higher level
The biggest sporting event in Palau's history ended with the closing ceremony at the Pacific Mini Games on July 9th. The final medal count saw Tahiti way out in front with 72 gold, nearly three times more than Fiji in second place, while the host nation finished inside the top ten with five golds, and a very creditable 29 medals in all. Champion decathlete, and former senior coach in Fiji, Albert Miller, who acted as a consultant to the host nation, says the large amount of government investment from Paris makes the two French territories hard to match. But he says the Mini Games have left an important legacy for Palau, and although his young track and field team registered just a solitary bronze medal this time, there is talent there that can be nurtured.
RNZ News
09-07-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Fiji's 3x3 basketball teams secure gold and qualify for U23 World Cup and Commonwealth Games
Fiji men's (right) won against the Solomon Islands 19-18 in the 3x3 basketball competition at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau. 9 July 2025 Photo: Facebook / Team Fiji History was made in the inaugural 3x3 basketball competition at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games when both the Fiji men's and women's teams won both gold medals, and in the process, qualifying for the FIBA 3x3 Under-23 World Cup later this year and the 2026 Commonwealth Games. It started with the Fiji women's side, led by Moana Liebregts, who defeated Tonga 16-13 in a tough final contest. Then the men's took centre court and dished out the closest of margins - a one point win over the Solomon Islands - 19-18 in the end. FIBA is the sport's world governing body. It's Oceania executive director Amanda Jenkins confirmed Fiji's direct qualification for the two international meets straight after the finals in Koror. "The Nationa's League (which they called the Mini Games competition), is also a qualifier for the under-23 World Cup, so the Fiji men and Fiji women will now go and play in China later on in the year," she told RNZ Pacific. Fiji women's team (left) defeated Tonga 16-13, while men's (right) won against the Solomon Islands 19-18 in the 3x3 basketball competition at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau. 9 July 2025 Photo: Facebook / Team Fiji Jenkins said the event had been an opportunity for the Pacific to have a direct qualifier into a World Cup. "That's been extremely important because we've been able to see the talent really step it up. They've had a lot to play for. "Obviously, the Mini Games gold medal is a big honour, but by having that World Cup qualifier, I think it really did lift the standard." "We were also able to get a direct qualifying spot for the highest ranked Commonwealth nation into next year's Glasgow Commonwealth Games. So again, potentially we could have had four different nations heading off to the under-23 3x3 World Cup and the Commonwealth Games." "Fiji have come out here and really shown that they've been putting in a lot of work with their 3x program, and they've come away with the gold medals in both men and women. So they'll be our representatives at both of those events." The Fiji men's and women's teams with their gold medals in the inaugural 3x3 basketball competition at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games. 9 July 2025 Photo: Facebook / Team Fiji Fiji men's captain Keenan Hughes said the team had come through alot before the Games and the win was icing on the cake for them. "Still trying to process everything. Obviously, we've had a long two weeks, so just the fact that it's all over and the way that is it's ended, still crazy to think about," Hughes said. "A lot of early mornings, a lot of long, early mornings, late nights, and just getting to know the team in general. "We only managed to pull the team together pretty last minute, compared to the rest of the teams, but we're really grateful for our coaches and our managers and everyone back home, supporting, bringing everyone together. "Obviously, we expected nothing less. Coming into this, we know the standard of Fiji basketball, and we know the standard that we want to hold in the Pacific. And coming into this, it was gold and nothing less than that." Liebregts said they are full of emotions, reflecting back on what they to go through, in Fiji before making the trip. "I honestly have no emotions. It's been such a build up," she said. "We've trained endlessly for these games. And I couldn't be more proud of the girls, and as well as the boys, they've really pushed through. They've overcome so many hurdles, and I couldn't be more proud of them. "I think if you knew we've been through what we've been through, you wouldn't really think that we would come out with the gold, especially with our last minute changes in the team. "But I'm so proud, especially of our other two new substitutes that were just that just joined in in the last minute. We thought it'd be a huge hiccup, but in the end, they really brought a good game and came out with the win." Both captain said they will enjoy the win and begin preparations for the world cup once they are back in Fiji. And what were your expectations coming into the games? Did you expect that both of your teams would be taking out the gold medals? "I think it's a pretty big stepping stone for us as as a nation, seeing that we're always looking for regional competitions, and just the fact that we have something to work towards just pushes us in the right direction as a federation and as a team as a whole," Hughes said. "And I think our preparation over the next couple months will be pretty intense, but we're looking forward to it." Liebregts said it will be Fiji's first basketball appearance at the Commonwealth Games. Despite missing out on a gold medals, Tonga's basketball teams their achievements. The men's team fell just short in the bronze medal match, 21-18, to the host nation Palau, having also lost 21-18 to Fiji in the semi-finals. "Mālō 'aupito to both teams for representing Tonga with heart, unity, and pride on the court. A proud finish for our basketball 3x3 teams at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau," the Tonga Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee said. "Our women's team delivered an outstanding campaign, finishing with silver after a tightly contested final against Fiji. Your determination and teamwork throughout the tournament made the Kingdom proud. "The men's team fought bravely but fell just short in the bronze medal match against host nation Palau. Despite the result, their performance throughout the games has been inspiring. Mālō 'aupito to both teams for representing Tonga with heart, unity, and pride on the court." Solomon Islands beat Palau 21-11 in the second men's semi. In the women's competition, Northern Mariana Islands pipped Papua New Guinea 21-19 to claim bronze.
RNZ News
09-07-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Tahiti tops medal tally as 2025 Pacific Mini Games concludes in Palau
Team Tahiti finished top of the medal standings at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games with 72 gold, 41 silver and 29 bronze medals. 9 July 2025 Photo: Facebook / Pacific Mini Games Tahiti finished at the top of the medal standings as the 2025 Pacific Mini Games wrapped up in Palau on Wednesday. After nine days of competition, the event concluded with a colourful closing ceremony. The Pacific Mini Games flag was handed to the Cook Islands, the host of the 2029 Pacific Mini Games. The Tahitians - set to host the 2027 Pacific Games - signalled their intentions early when the competition kicked off on 30 June, and they finished with 72 gold, 41 silver and 29 bronze medals. Fiji won three gold medals on the final day of competition to conclude their campaign with 27 gold, 30 silver and 24 bronze medals. Samoa finished third with 27 gold, 14 silver and 20 bronze medals; Australia was fourth with 24 gold, 16 silver and 15 bronze; and Papua New Guinea rounded out the top five with 22 gold, 29 silver and 26 bronze medals. Team Fiji's sprinter Heleina Young was crowned the overall Outstanding Female Athlete. Young won three gold (400m, 200m, 4x400m) and two silver medals (4x100m, Mixed 4x400m) on the track. While Team Samoa's weightlifter John Tafi, 23, was awarded the overall Outstanding Male Athlete at the Mini Games winning three gold medals in the men's 71kg division. 2025 Pacific Mini Games medal tally at the end competitions on 9 July 2025. Photo: RNZ Pacific
RNZ News
08-07-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Palau president on Pacific Mini Games: 'It is all about...lifting each other up'
President Whipps presenting a medal at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Plaau. 1 July 2025 Photo: Facebook / Office of the President, Republic of Palau 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 acknowledged that 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," Whipps said. "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 added that some facilities, such as the 3x3 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," Whipps said. "We were just blessed to have so many athletes from all across the Pacific showing up." Va'a competitors from Tahiti, Wallis and Futuna, Fiji, Palau, PNG, and the Norther Mariana Islands on day one. Photo: Facebook / Office of the President, Republic of Palau Whipps said that 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 said. "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." But beyond the spectacle of the Games, which wraps up at 6pm tonight, Whipps said the 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. Hopefully we inspire more young athletes to continue to develop and compete," Whipps said. "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 added that the addition of a beach volleyball venue opened up conversations around a youth World Cup event for the sport. President Surangel Whipps Jr met with the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) president Fabio Azevedo. FIVB provided support for both indoor and outdoor volleyball courts for the Pacific Mini Games 2025. 7 July 2025 Photo: Facebook / Office of the President, Republic of Palau "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. "Not only in the Pacific and Micronesia, but now thinking of events outside our region." Now, Whipps is looking ahead to the closing ceremony, with hopes for more accessible flights to Palau and greater economic viability in the near future, continuing the momentum that the Games has brought to the region. We are one ocean, one Pacific," he said.
Scoop
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Running The Show: The Youngsters Behind The Scenes At The Pacific Mini Games
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.
