“The league, I think, has reconnected people, in a sense that they come to meet one another as well as to cheer for their teams,” said Don Bukurrou, president of Ongiall Association, which organizes and officiates the league.
The make up of the teams tells of this sense of unity. The teams are comprised of members who come from just every possible position of the Palauan society. During each game, there are likely to be Senators, Delegates, church deacons, governors, traditional chiefs, teachers, students, police officers, and even housewives who would step unto the field for the sake of state they represent. On the field, the titles are set aside and each player then becomes a member of a team that is adheres to the unwritten rules of the league – play hard, play fair, and have fun.On September 13, all of the 12 teams representing the 6 states and the Ongiall Association, pitched in for a get together lunch at Ngarchelong ball field. There was more than enough food for the more than 300 people who came to watch games between Kayangel and Melekeok and Ngaraard and Ngchesar; and to take part in celebrating the leagues 4th season.Kayangel split its games with Melekeok, as did Ngchesar and Ngaraard. Kayangel and Ngchesar’s masters’ division teams lost to their opponents but their open division teams managed to garner wins. All the teams and fans that were present cheered in unison for the outcome of the games, but most of all they cheered for a league that has kept them in tune with the spirit of Palauan traditions.
