From seasoned Olympians to rising stars and cultural champions, the flag bearers of these Games represent not only sporting achievement, but the shared values of determination, pride, and unity across Oceania.

Here are the athletes who carried their nations’ hopes at the Opening Ceremony:

American Samoa

Latana Sopa – Wrestling
Double gold medallist at the 2025 OceaniaWrestling Championships.

Australia

Finley Bennett & Kiana Elliott – BeachVolleyball / Weightlifting
Bennett brings power on the court; Elliottis a proud Olympian in weightlifting.

Cook Islands

Alanna Smith & Brendon Heath – BeachVolleyball
Strong leaders on the sand, representingthe women's and men’s teams.

Federated States of Micronesia

Kestra Kihleng – Swimming
FSM’s top-ranked female swimmer and ParisOlympian.

Fiji

Kelera Mudunassoko – Swimming
Record-breaking 16-year-old breaststrokerand Pacific Games gold medallist.

Guam

Israel Poppe & Miriam Telaje – Swimming/ Va’a
Medal-winning youth swimmer and veteranva’a paddler.

Kiribati

Ruben Katoatau – Weightlifting
Tokyo Olympian and Pacific Games veteran.

Marshall Islands

Mike Riklon – Weightlifting
Multiple gold medallist in Micronesian andOceania competitions.

Nauru

Femily Notte – Weightlifting
At 16, a rising star with triple gold and“Best Lifter” honors.

New Caledonia

Metty Laualiki, Manon Baldovini & TomLulait – Volleyball / Swimming / Para Athletics
A trio representing diversity, strength,and excellence.

New Zealand

David Liti & Tui-Alofa Patolo –Weightlifting
Commonwealth gold medallist and an emergingPacific powerhouse.

Norfolk Island

Tahleya Jones – Athletics
Hammer thrower and record-setter at the2023 Pacific Games.

Papua New Guinea

Josh Tarere & Thelma Toua – Swimming /Weightlifting
Olympian and national swim leader alongsidea decorated lifter and sportswoman.

Samoa

Johnny Key – Athletics
National sprint champion with Pacific andCommonwealth medals.

Solomon Islands

Dianah Matekali – Athletics
Long-distance runner and 2022 Mini Gamesgold medallist.

Tahiti

Déotille Videau & Nateahi Sommers –Swimming / Va’a
Record-breaking junior champions leading astrong Tahitian squad.

Tokelau

Ilai Elekana Manū – Judo
Judoka, wrestling champion, and PhDresearcher in Indigenous sport.

Tonga

Ti’o Fonohema – Volleyball
A 30-year veteran and gold medallist on thePacific volleyball stage.

Tuvalu

Vaioleta Luka – Athletics
A symbol of Tuvaluan pride, leading herteam with resilience and grace.

Vanuatu

Veronica Tari & Stivano Banga – Judo /Beach Volleyball
Judoka and beach volleyballer showing thestrength of Vanuatu’s youth.

Wallis & Futuna

Ana Nau & Aymerick Kanimoa – Volleyball/ Va’a
Young athletes making waves in team sportand world sprint paddling.

Northern Mariana Islands

Isaiah Aleksenko – Swimming
Record-breaking gold medallist andstudent-athlete leader.

Host Nation – Palau

Ray Rumong & Carisma Aguon – Baseball /Judo
Homegrown heroes: a veteran coach and afierce young judoka leading Team Palau.

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As the Pacific Mini Games officially opened with celebration and ceremony, these 23 flag bearers marched not only for their countries, but for the entire Pacific family. Their stories inspire, their journeys unite, and their presence lights the way for the week of competition ahead.

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For more information about the 2025 Pacific Mini Games, visit;