President Johnson Toribiong was the keynote speaker during the program.
Martial experts from Japan headed by Grand Master Gyouichi Mibukawa were also there to demonstrate Aikido.The Grand Master and his students from Ryobi Institute of Aikido demonstrated different techniques to the delight of the audience.Grand Master Mibukawa is the Director of All Japan Aikido Federation and Goodwill Ambassador for Promotion of Palau’s Economic Development and Tourism in Japan.He started practicing Aikido in 1961 and founded the Ryobi Institute of Aikido in 1969. He’s been managing over 50 Aikido schools and teaches Aikido to over 2,000 students in Hiroshima and Okayama.Professional wrestler Mariko Yoshida, a champion wrestler for the female division was also there to show different wrestling techniques.Yoshida started playing wrestling in high school. The 39-year-old wrestler also established a group for female wrestler called Ibuki.The group arrived last week for a six days visit and left Palau on Thursday.They will come back in October for the Independence Day.Minister Faustina Rehuher-Marugg from the Ministry of Community & Cultural Affairs (MCCA) was also present as a platform guest to give moral support to the youth.A group discussion was also held where the youth were given opportunity to voice out their concerns.Ginny Nakamura, Chief, Division of National Youth Affairs of the Ministry of Community & Cultural Affairs in an interview said that it’s the first time that Airai held an event in observance of the International Youth Day. They are looking forward of doing it annually to coincide with the National Youth Day.“This day marks the first time Palau joins the rest of the world in commemorating this very special day for the youth. President of the Republic of Palau joined the youth of Airai State at Ked Community Center to deliver the keynote address. His speech had four main points that he wanted the youth to utilize in order to become productive members of the society. First point was about health-take good care of their health, exercise and to eat healthy food. Second point was education, he reminded the youth to read a lot and write for their own benefit in the future. The third point was to listen to the elders and their parents,”Nakamura said.Nakamura further stated that President Toribiong encouraged the youth to try their very best in everything that they do and reminded the young men and women that their future will depend on the investments of today. The president emphasized in his speech the importance of “good citizenship” and told the youth to be conscientious of their homes and their country of Palau.Bureau of Patrol Safety Patrol Division Chief Ismael Aguon was also there to talk about youth and the law.The highlight of the event was the tree planting activity. More than 30 youth participated in the activity and took pride in digging the soil to plant their seedlings.The event was a joint effort of 5th Olbiil ra Ngerechumel Bai of Airai State, State Incentive Grant, UN Joint Presence Office and the Office of National Planning on The Millennium Development Goals and several individuals from Airai State.
