Overview:
Ngiwal and Melekeok took home UN Day youth softball championship titles as young athletes showcased their improving skills and community spirit.
By: L.N. Reklai
AIRAI, Palau (Oct. 31, 2026) — Strong community support and improving skills were on display at the UN Day youth softball tournament, where Ngiwal and Melekeok captured championship titles in their respective age divisions.
Ngiwal Kidz claimed the championship in the 14-and-under division, with Airai finishing second and Ngaraard taking third place. In the 16-and-under division, Melekeok secured the championship.
Delegate Silverius Tellei, a parent and supporter of the Melekeok youth softball team, said he was impressed by how much the players had improved in just two to three months.
“When I was first asked to watch the Melekeok kids play, I was really worried for them because many could barely play. After just two to three months, they have improved so much,” Tellei said.
He said the players had become more confident and that youth sports provide important opportunities for children to stay active, develop their physical and mental health, and avoid drugs.
Tellei also emphasized the importance of parental and community involvement, saying he noticed a difference in team performance when parents, coaches and community members attended games.
“I noticed that kids perform really well when parents show up,” he said. “Kids really need their parents there to support them!”
The tournament brought together youth teams from Ngerchemai, Ngaraard, Melekeok, Ngeremlengui, Ngiwal and Airai. The competition featured two age divisions: ages 7-13 and ages 14-16.
Six teams competed in the younger division, while four teams participated in the older division.
The tournament was sponsored and organized by Ngermid Youth Empowered, a youth group from Ngermid established to increase youth participation in positive, drug-free community activities.
The group organized the UN Day youth baseball and softball games through a grant from the 2026 Palau-Taiwan Small Grants Program.
