Palau may be amenable to hosting Games

The Palau National Olympic Committee has already discussed the possibility of hosting the Micronesian Games this summer. However, no official commitment has yet been made.

PNOC secretary general Baklai Temengil said during a phone interview yesterday that Palau’s Olympic body met on Monday to talk about the various issues surrounding the possible hosting of the Games.

“We have discussed about it, the possibilities about it, and what needs to be done but we have not made a commitment,” Temengil said. “We have not confirmed [anything] regarding Palau hosting the Games this summer. We’re still waiting for the deliberations of all the Micronesian Games Council member countries.”

Temengil said that although the facilities are in place due to the country’s hosting of the South Pacific Mini Games last summer, a hefty load of responsibilities would still need to be met for Palau to host the Games.

“The facilities, of course, are still fairly new as a result of the Mini Games, but in terms of hosting the Micro Games, it requires the government’s support, the community and the resources that we have. It really just needs to be better planned and outlined and given the responsibilities to the host countries and even the participating countries.”

Temengil said the PNOC has met only once to discuss the Micro Games as their focus is currently on the Belau Games, which will be held next month.

The Micronesian Games was supposed to be hosted by the CNMI from June 23 to July 7. However, citing the CNMI’s poor economic situation and planning for the Games, the government decided not to go through with the hosting. The decision was announced last Friday, sending a shock wave to athletes, teams, and several lawmakers.

Reports were also made that the Micronesian Games Council has decided to scrap the Games this year due to the CNMI pullout and the lack of time for another country to prepare to host the event.

MGC president Bill Keldermans, who also serves on the PNOC, was unavailable for confirmation yesterday.

Earlier, Northern Marianas Amateur Sports Association president Michael White said he has heard two different stories as to the status of the Games, including one that Palau might grab hosting responsibilities.

“I’ve heard two different stories,” White said. “First, that the Games are cancelled because neither Guam nor Palau has sufficient time to organize them; and second, that Palau decided [Monday] morning that they want to host the Games in late summer. I have no official word either way.”

The Micronesian Games was first held on Saipan in 1969 and again in 1990. Guam played host to the Games in 1994, followed by Palau in 1998 and Pohnpei in 2002.

The 2006 Games was originally set in Yap, but damages to sports facilities resulted in the MGC deciding to grant the Games to another country.

During last summer’s Mini Games, the CNMI made a jump at hosting the Games, a request that was granted by the MGC.

About 1,500 to 1,700 athletes, coaches, and officials were expected to take part in the Games.