【Project Activities】

A Japanese coach with advanced coaching expertise provided instruction ranging from beginner lessons and athlete development to competitive training and school physical education.

【Project Background】

With qualified coaching capacity already in Palau, we were able to deliver support that made full use of this expertise. As an Olympic-participating nation, Palau also has demand for specialized coaching to reach higher performance levels. Even as a small island nation, we aimed to strengthen swimming by offering beginner classes as well as school physical education.

【Project Objective】

Promote swimming in Palau and introduce pathways toward higher-performance training.

【Project Area】

Sport Promotion

【Methods】

Direct instruction by volunteers

【Outcomes】

We ran beginner sessions structured as a 10-hour course (one hour × 10 sessions) six to ten times per year, and offered a year-round development program (ages 8–14) five days a week for one hour per day. While no athletes from the development program have yet become national team members, many achieved strong results at the Belau Games (a biennial inter-state competition).

【Voices from Participants and Partners】

“I’m happy to receive specialized coaching.” (Development course)
“I’d like these sessions to be held more frequently.” (Beginner sessions)
“I want to incorporate this into after-school programs and special support classes as well.” (School PE)

【Challenges and Lessons Learned】

Because the program depends on one person’s skills, the burden is heavy. We cannot expect honoraria or fees from participants, and since the program is entirely volunteer-based, it is not sustainable in the long term.

【URL】

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064803005995&mibextid=kFxxJD