By: Summer Kennard
KOROR, Palau — “This selection is a great honor and blessing to me because I get to represent Palau once more,” said volleyball player Mitoko Charles, one of two Palauan athletes chosen to attend the 48th National Olympic Academy in Taipei, Taiwan.
Charles, who has competed for Palau in previous regional games, was selected based on her athletic experience, age eligibility, and continued commitment to Team Palau. She will be joined by baseball player O’Neill Yobech at the training program, which runs Sept. 18-21 and focuses on the theme “Olympic Movement and AI: Opportunities and Challenges.”
The National Olympic Committee of Palau (NOC) announced that both athletes will depart Sept. 17 to take part in workshops, seminars, and cultural exchanges alongside participants from other Olympic Committees worldwide.
Charles said she views the program as both a privilege and an opportunity to grow as an athlete. “This experience shall showcase knowledge and insights on how AI can help us, athletes and coaches, in the future to prepare for more upcoming games and the Olympics,” she said. “I shall use the knowledge and experiences to better myself in training, preparation, planning, and goal setting.”
She added that the academy will also allow her to connect with athletes and officials from around the world, which she hopes will open doors for collaboration and new opportunities in sports development.
The Palau NOC expressed its gratitude to the Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee, which extended the invitation and is covering all expenses. This is the second time Palau has been invited to participate in the academy, underscoring the close ties between the two committees.
“This selection not only provides training for our athletes but also strengthens Palau’s place in the international Olympic movement,” the Palau NOC said in its announcement.
