【Project Activities】

In 2024, marking 30 years of diplomatic relations between Japan and Palau, we welcomed participants from Japan and hosted an Optimist dinghy class race to foster youth exchange through sport. Through the race, participants engaged in international exchange and experienced a traditional sailing canoe.

【Project Background】

In conjunction with an offshore yacht race between Japan and Palau held as part of the 25th anniversary celebrations, 20 Optimist dinghies were donated for youth. Building on this donation, we established the Palau Sailing Association and have continued small-scale sailing classes focused on youth development, sport sailing promotion, environmental education through carbon-free transport, and passing on traditional canoe culture. In 2024, alongside the annual offshore race, we again welcomed participants from Japan to host a youth race, promote international exchange through sport, and offer hands-on experiences with traditional sailing canoes.

【Project Objective】

Promote sport sailing; international exchange through sport; pass on skills related to traditional canoe seamanship; and connect these efforts to sports tourism that celebrates Palau’s beautiful ocean environment.

【Project Area】

Sports Tourism

【Methods】

Support for events and competitions

【Outcomes】

We welcomed three participants from Japan and eight from Palau—11 boys and girls aged 9 to 12 in total—who enjoyed racing and riding a traditional sailing canoe. Afterward, they also enjoyed activities such as snorkeling tours.

【Voices from Participants and Partners】

“The sea in Palau was beautiful.” “I made new friends.” “I was moved to learn that traditional sailing canoes work on the same principles as sailing.” “The traditional canoe looked so cool.”

【Challenges and Lessons Learned】

The sailing coach is currently a JICA volunteer, so we need to recruit and train instructors who can support the program on an ongoing basis. At the same time, we also need to develop event operations personnel (such as race officials and judges). The donated boats from Japan are old; top-level participants from Japan noted many issues, and maintenance and upkeep are also challenges.

【URL】

https://www.facebook.com/palausailing?mibextid=kFxxJD