To honor our athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers and our sponsors, Palau NOC along with the fourteen member National Federations held the 8th Annual Sports Award Banquet last Thursday, 9th April 2009. With more than 250 people in attendance, this year's event was a huge success as we are also celebrating Palau National Olympic Committee's 10th year anniversary as a member of the Olympic Family.
His Excellency Johnson Toribiong, President of the Republic of Palau, regaled us with tales of his years as an athlete and manager in the early `60's up until the `90's. President Toribiong also reiterated his position, as well as the leadership of Palau, to continue supporting sports programs for the benefit of all Palauans.
With the mood set and the band-one of Palau's local legends-entertaining the crowd, presentations of awards got underway. The highlight of the night and highly anticipated by everyone in attendance, were the coveted awards from the Palau NOC. Every year along with the awards from each federation, Palau NOC aslo selects and recognizes those individuals or organziations that have had a profound impact on the sporting community for the past year. The seven award categories include: Male Athlete of the Year, Douglas Schmidt (Athletics); Female Athlete of the Year, Maria Gibbons (Swimming); Coach of the Year, Tino Faatuuala; Technical Official of the Year, Wallace Rikrik; Volunteer of the Year, Ongiall Association; Sponsor of the Year, PIDC/George Rechucher; and Corporate Sponsor of the Year, NECO Group of Companies.
Palau National Olympic Committee thanks the athletes, coaches, officials, all the volunteers, the sponsors, National and States Governments, the National Federations and all the families and friends for joining us to honor award recipients and to celebrate 10 years of Olympism.
Celebrating 10 Years of Olympism - "Excellence Through Sport"
Last Modified on 25/06/2009 12:14