Koror, Palau - Addressing a gathering of athletes and officials from the Pacific Games Associations, President Lakhan reminded the assembled crowd of the foundational vision that created these Games in 1963, when Pacific forefathers challenged the region "to meet, create bonds of kindred, friendship and brotherhood amongst the people of Pacific region through sporting exchanges between us without any distinction to race, gender, religion or politics."

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"We did exactly that here in Palau over the past two weeks," Lakhan declared, emphasizing how participants forged new friendships both with local Palauans and visiting delegations. He praised the exceptional hospitality shown by President Surangel Whipps Jr., his Cabinet, the Government and people of Palau, noting that all participants would return home with fond memories of their experiences in the island nation.

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President Lakhan expressed that despite challenges with the weather during the games, this did not deter the spirit of the games. The organisers and athletes turned this adversity into a celebration of Pacific resilience, stating emphatically that while "the weather did dampen the out fields, our outdoor competition facilities, it did not dampen your spirits, it did not dampen your enthusiasm, it did not dampen your desire to do what we came here to do."

Under the leadership of Dr. Patrick Tellei, Chairman of the Games Organizing Committee, and with strong support from President Whipps Jr. and the Palauan government, the host nation achieved something unprecedented in Pacific Games history. The 2025 Pacific Mini Games became the largest edition ever staged, accommodating athletes and officials who were housed, fed, and transported to competition venues with remarkable efficiency and care.

President Lakhan extended heartfelt gratitude to the hundreds of volunteers, officials, workforce members, sponsors, and donor governments whose collective efforts made the Games possible. "Please take pride in the knowledge that your efforts collectively made it all possible," he told the gathered supporters, emphasizing that every Palauan should feel extremely proud of their achievement in delivering such a successful international sporting event.

The Pacific Games Council President also recognized all participants as wonderful ambassadors of their nations and respective sports. While congratulating medal winners, he offered encouragement to those who didn't reach the podium, reminding them that future opportunities await at subsequent Games. His message reinforced the Pacific Games' core values of participation, excellence, and mutual respect that transcend competitive results.

As delegations prepared to depart Palauan shores after the competition and cultural exchange, President Lakhan formally declared the conclusion of the XIIth Palau 2025 Pacific Mini Games. In keeping with Pacific Games tradition, he extended an invitation for the sporting family to reassemble in four years' time in the Cook Islands for the XIIIth Pacific Mini Games.

His closing words captured the enduring spirit of the Pacific Games movement, calling upon future participants to "display cheerfulness and harmony so that the spirit of our Pacific family of nations may be carried on with ever greater eagerness, courage and honour for the good of humanity and for the peace of the world."

The ceremony marked not just the end of competition, but the beginning of a four-year journey toward the next gathering of the Pacific sporting family, carrying forward the bonds of friendship and brotherhood that define these remarkable Games.

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

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