PALAU OPENS PACIFIC MINI GAMES IN TRADITIONAL FASHION

By Charlotte Oh

KOROR, Palau – The highly anticipated opening ceremony officially marked the start of the 12th Pacific Mini Games at the Palau National Track and Field. 23 Nations walked proudly around the track, representing their respective countries with honor and pride.

Palau President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. opened the games with an inspiring message. “In the Pacific, our greatest strength is our unity, our ability to come together, to support one another, and to inspire hope in future generations. Let us show the world the power of unity, the beauty of friendship and the unstoppable force of a community bound by respect and love.”

With heartfelt pride, Team Guam’s athletes and officials united to parade around the track. Smiles filled the faces of Team Guam making their way to the stage, proudly shouting, “Biba!”

Leading the charge were flag bearers Israel Poppe and Miriam Terlaje, selected by the Guam National Olympic Committee for their unwavering dedication and spirit. Swimmer Poppe has earned multiple medals on the international stage, while also holding swimming records for Guam. Terlaje is an experienced paddler, competing in both the 2019 Pacific Games and the 2022 Pacific Mini Games, where her team earned a silver medal.

“It’s a great honor to stand with our Guam flag to represent my sport known in the PMG as Va’a. I’m hopeful it showcases the cultural practice of canoeing, our Galaides. I stand not alone but behind me are all the paddlers of Guam, before me and beyond me; greater paddlers than I. I hope to make them proud. I am humbled to represent all of us,” shared Terlaje.

“It means the world to me because I get to hold our island’s flag and be proud of who we are.”

– Swimmer Israel Poppe, flag bearer

After the official flag raising of the Pacific Mini Games, the ceremony continued with cultural chants and dances, celebrations, oaths, and speeches. The stadium was packed with enthusiastic spectators who cheered passionately throughout the evening.

Despite the heavy rain, the torch was carried to Palauan Olympic sprinter Syndey Francisco who ignited the cauldron, marking the ending of the ceremony. Fireworks immediately illuminated the sky, drawing all eyes to the dazzling show. 

As the first sporting events kick off tomorrow, Terlaje expressed her excitement, “I’m looking forward to seeing our athletes compete against the best athletes in the Pacific, perform and be inspired to bring the best out of all of us. I look forward to bringing home memories of great sportsmanship, friendship and unity in the Pacific.” 

Poppe shared a similar reflection, “I am looking forward to racing the other islands and hopefully making some new friends.”

The ending of the ceremony signals the exciting beginning for the 2025 Pacific Mini Games. Go Team Guam. Let the Games begin!