‘Let the Games begin!’

KOROR, Palau—“Alii!”

These was the first word of President Tommy Remengesau as he greeted the 1,400 athletes, coaches, and officials during the opening ceremony of the 7th South Pacific Mini Games in Palau sunday night.

“Welcome to your home away from home,” Remengesau said as everyone in attendance applauded.

“It is through your efforts, in spirited competition that our nations will celebrate and unite in this new millennium. “The South Pacific Games represents the Olympics for the South Pacific. It is not only an athletic event, it is time to reflect on and enjoy the uniqueness and oneness of our island cultures. It is the time to strengthen all friendships, and make new acquaintances. Most importantly, it is time to reincorporate our island pride.”

“Through our young athletes, we will demonstrate our strength, our unity, and our harmony,” he added.

Before officially declaring the Mini Games open, Remengesau also stressed that “rain or shine the games will go on.”

“I proudly take this unique opportunity to declare the 2005 South Pacific Mini Games open,” he said.

Delegations sporting their parade uniforms began filling the Palau National Track and Field facility before 5pm. Prior to the parade, the teams mingled on the grand stand, voicing cultural chants, singing songs, and even putting a cultural dance show for the crowd.

One by one, the 12 delegations were called, making their entrance while waving, singing, smiling, and savoring each moment.

The area was then silent before Palau’s Roland Tangelbad took the microphone and sang the Palau National Anthem, which was followed by invocation and remarks from Mini Games organizing committee chair Dr. Patrick Tellei, who acknowledged dignitaries, sponsors, and supporters of the Games.

Several Palau medalists in previous Micronesian Games and other regional competitions then made their way to the track, carrying with them the SPG flag. At that point, the theme song of the Games was played, and individual delegations grabbed their flags and made their way to the rubber track, while dancing to the beat of the song, composed by Tangelbad.

Team CNMI was well represented in the parade, with baseball player Clifton Silil taking the initiative and showing some moves. He was later joined by swimmers Melissa Coleman and Myana Welch.

Just moments later, it was announced that the torch carrying the SPG flame had arrived at the site. After rounding the track, the torch was passed to Palau sprinter Silas Florencio, who trekked up the high tower. With the crowd cheering and photographers scrambling beneath to snap the best shot, Florencio calmly lit the main torch, which will remain lit until the end of the Games on Aug. 4.

It wasn’t long before Remengesau walked to the podium, greeted everyone, and declared the Games open.

Shortly after, female cultural dancers dressed in rainbow-colored grass skirts and woven coconut leaves on their arms, took the stage for a dance number, drawing much cheers from everyone in attendance.

Another performance followed, this time with young boys, also dressed in woven coconut leaves a red garments, had the spotlight, again drawing much cheers. The youngest of the group drew much attention and was on the receiving end of several dollars, a mini CNMI flag, and a necklace, among others that were placed on him during the performance.

The ceremony then came to a close, with athletes, coaches, and officials going to the exits.