Games Over, Spirits High in Palau

Koror, Palau — Team Marianas' 161-strong delegation made a statement at the 12th Pacific Mini Games in Palau, wrapping up with a strong showing of 31 medals—10 golds, eight silvers, and 13 bronzes—finishing sixth overall out of 23 Pacific nations.

The swim team, led by flag bearer Isaiah Aleksenko stormed the podium on each of their pool event days bagging the most medals for the team at 14—with six gold won by Aleksenko; young wrestler Seth Sablan earned a gold in his division; and athletics' standouts Tania Tan ran her way to two gold medals, with another gold by Lyle Andrew.

The silver medals were won by wrestler Vincent “Beng” Palacios; swimmer Maria Batallones (2); wrestler Miles Borja; swimmer Kean Pajarillaga; 4x200m freestyle swim team; weightlifter Joey Colisao; and beach volleyball duo of Logan Mister and Andrew Johnson.

The bronze medals came from the women's 3x3 basketball team; the baseball team; Tania Tan; Joey Colisao; the 4x100m medley relay swim team; weightlifter Leowell Cristobal (2); Vincent “Beng” Palacios; Kean Pajarillaga; Seth Sablan; the 4x100m freestyle relay swim team; and Maria Batallones.

One last time, in the spirit of unity, camaraderie, and Pacific pride, the remaining teams from each of the 23 nations came together at the Palau National Track and Field on Wednesday, July 9, for the closing ceremony that officially closed the chapter on the Games—marking the second time Palau has hosted.

The best overall male and female athletes of the Games were also announced: John Tafi of Samoa, who won three gold medals and set multiple records in his weightlifting category, and Heleina Young of Fiji, a track star who bagged gold in the 200m, 400m, and 4×400m relay, along with two silvers in other relay events.

The Games torch was extinguished, cultural performances held everyone captive, and athletes took to the field to dance and celebrate nine days of record-breaking performances, athletic excellence, and friendships built across borders—bonds that go beyond the games.

The Cook Islands will host the 2029 Pacific Mini Games, and the traditional passing of the Pacific Games Council flag took place, with Pacific Games Council president Vidhya Lakhan handing it over to the Cook Islands.

Dr. Patrick Tellei, chairman of the 2025 PMG Organizing Committee, gave his thanks to everyone who helped make the Games a success. To the athletes, he said, “Congratulations to all those who came to compete—you made your countries proud. You made all of us happy to witness your exploits. For many of you, it was an expensive and costly trip to Palau, but we thank you and your sponsors back home for making sure you could come.”

Finally, acknowledging the challenges of hosting an event of this scale, he added, “We ask, however, that you dwell on the positive experiences in Palau. Our country is definitely a better place now because you came.”

Palau finished ninth in the medal standings with a total of 29 medals, while the top three teams are Tahiti at 142, Fiji with 81, and Samoa with 61.

Congratulations and Biba Team Marianas!