The event lasted for one and a half hours, starting at 5:30 pm and ending at 7 pm.
One of the day’s highlights included the Micronesian Games flag, which was parachuted to the track and field by Navot Bornovski from 3,500 feet. Bornovski is currently the general manager of a local dive shop owned by Francis Toribiong, who in 1981 also carried the Micro Games flag via parachute.
As part of the ceremony, Pohnpei Lt. Gov. Churchill Edward received the Micro Games flag from Palau Micro Games Organizing Chairman Bill Keldermans. The new coordinator of the Pohnpei Micro Games will be announced at a later date.
Less than 2,000 people were present at the ceremony, with majority of the athletes returning back to their islands.
Palau President Johnson Toribiong, one of the speakers in the ceremony, stated, “It has truly been an exciting 10 days here in Palau. I know we Palauans enjoyed ourselves by your presence. The Micronesian Games is more than a sport. It gives us the opportunity to engage in…athlete to athlete diplomacy, cultural exchange, mutual understanding, and respect from friendship among the peoples of Micronesia. I know it was a daunting challenge but we pulled it through. Let us continue to keep the fire burning in the hearts until 2014 and I offer my best wish to the next micro games in 2014.”
Pohnpei is set to host the 8th Micronesian Games in 2014, as announced by Palau National Olympic Committee Chairman Frank Kyota. In his remarks to the public, Ktoya also said, “…thank you to the athletes and the efforts of the people behind the games’ success.”
The remaining CNMI athletes cheered for swimmer Rezne Wong, who won male athlete of the year as chosen by all the participating islands. Wong earned 13 gold medals and one silver overall, winning first in the 200 meter individual medley, 100 meter breaststroke, and several others. In addition, Wong dominated in numerous relay events with fellow swimmers Kailan Staal, Kensuke Kimura, and Shin Kimura.
Pohnpei swimmer Deborah Daniel was also chosen as the female athlete of year.
