In March, the Ngaraard State Government, in collaboration with the Palau National Olympic Committee and the Australian Embassy in Palau, hosted the first Kerradel Beach Games at Kuabes Park. Each of the 5 counties of Ngaraard was well represented with a total of 59 youth participants competing in the following sports: Archery, Beach Volleyball and Beach Wrestling.

The 1st Kerradel Beach Games opened following motivational messages from Governor Sharp Sakuma and MP Gibson Kanai. Through these events, young people can build better and stronger relationships with each other, raise awareness of the fight against obesity in the young population and promote motivation and good competition in the sports community in our state.

In the beach wrestling competition, youths compete in the categories of boys and girls aged 9 years and above. There were about nineteen (19) athletes competing in their respective pools. All athletes competed in a double elimination round on Saturday where each athlete competed for medals for their district. The total points were added up for the winner's trophy and Elab County came first, Ngkeklau second and Choll third, followed by Ngebuked County and Ulimang County.

This event was made possible by the following sponsors and partners:
Office of the Governor 
Ngaraard State Government 
Palau National Olympic Committee 
Pacific AUS Sports 
Australian Embassy, Palau
Dilngebuked Inc., Ngaraard State
Legislator Leon Debengek 
Hana Ingais

This article was contributed by the Palauan Wrestling Federation.