The Republic of Palau is located approximately 1,500km southeast of the Philippines and 1,200km southwest of Guam in the Micronesian region of Oceania. With a population of roughly 17,000 who inhabit 12 out of more than 300 islands and islets throughout the country, Palau is a picturesque location full of natural beauty and wonders.
From 18-20 April, the most populous city of Koror played host to an ITTF Basic Umpires Course, facilitated by internationally renowned official and course conductor Rachel Ramos from the Philippines. The course was organised as a partnership between ITTF-Oceania through the Oceania Development Program, Palau Table Tennis Association (PTTA), the Palau National Olympic Committee (PNOC) and the Pacific Games Council. The purpose of the course was clear – to train and accredit umpires who can officiate at the upcoming 2025 Pacific Mini Games, a multisport event which will be hosted by Palau in June-July.
Upon completion of the course, Rachel Ramos commented, “I am totally pleased on how the course in Koror went and ended. I had a curious, happy bunch of participants who were very eager to learn as it was the first time for them to attend an umpiring course. All of them were players before, two were even former national champions, but now they are up to the challenge of taking the umpire’s role.
“All eight participants passed this ITTF Basic Umpires Course and all of them would like to go for higher level in the coming years. With proper exposure and continuous training, this batch of newly certified Basic Umpires will certainly produce Palau’s very first ITTF International Umpires.
“Many thanks to PNOC and PTTA for the kind hospitality and excellent arrangements, and most especially to Ms. Mitsue Ngirailemesang, PTTA Secretary General, who went above and beyond to ensure that all things needed in this activity were met.”
From an ITTF-Oceania perspective, increasing the quality and quantity of officials throughout the region is a priority and included in our 2025-2028 Strategic Plan. It is pleasing to see Palau as the latest Member Associations to receive an officials course in 2025 and ITTF-Oceania are pleased to offer tangible assistance to PTTA.
ITTF-Oceania thanks ITTF for their support of the Oceania Development Program. This visit to Palau is another successful step as we look to collectively raise the level of table tennis across our 24 Member Associations.