【Project Activities】

Japanese instructors with advanced coaching skills provided instruction for beginners, youth development, athletes, and school physical education.

【Project Background】

There were skilled personnel available in Palau, enabling support through their expertise. As a country participating in the Olympics, there was a demand for specialized coaching for higher performance. Furthermore, even in an island nation with a small population, the goal was to promote swimming, so classes for beginners and school physical education were also implemented.

【Project Objective】

Promotion of swimming in Palau and introduction to high-level performance.

【Project Area】

Promotion of sports

【Methods】

Direct volunteer instruction

【Outcomes】

Beginner sessions (10 one-hour sessions per course) were held 6-10 times a year. A year-round development course (ages 8-14) was conducted 5 days a week for one hour. Although no national athletes have yet emerged from this development program, many developing athletes achieved good results in the biennial Belau Games (inter-state national sports festival).

【Voices from Participants and Partners】

“I am happy to receive specialized instruction” (Development course participant). “I wish it happened more frequently” (Beginner session participant). “We want to incorporate this into after-school programs and special needs classes” (School physical education).

【Challenges and Lessons Learned】

Reliance on a single person’s skills creates a heavy burden. As no gratuities or tuition fees can be expected from participants, it is entirely volunteer-based and lacks sustainability.

【URL】

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