By Nazario Rodriguez Jr.
Horizon news staff

The total donation for Team Palau to the upcoming Samoa Pacific Games reached over $35,000 as President Tommy Remengesau Jr. turned over $20,000 to the Palau National Olympic Committee yesterday afternoon.
The money came from the proceeds during his birthday bash at the Bai ra Amayong Cultural Center on Feb. 28.
The President, who came with his grandson Imrur, turned over the cash donation to PNOC Secretary Genral Bakl;ai Temengil in the presence of PNOC Vice President Bill Keldermans and other sports officials.
Also present during the simple ceremony was Mike Malesky, Terminal Supervisor of Shell Palau Inc.
Shell has earlier donated $10,000 for the same purp[ose as it has always done in the past.
Temengil told the president that PNOC President Frank Kyota, who is top official from Shell, is out off island.
Sinton Soalablai, who is Team Palau’s Deputy Chef de Mission, also was present.
Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs is the Chef De Mission.
Temengiul also informed the president about the $5,000 earlier pledged by Palau Organic Farm.
Palau is targetting to send around 150 athletes, coaches and officials to the Pacific Games slated August 24 to Sept. 8 in Apia, Samoa.
Temengil said that some $150,000 or more is needed shoulder the expenses for the trip.