In celebration of the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Republic of Palau, as well as the 30th anniversary of Palau's independence, the opening ceremony of the first Palau International Baseball Classic was held on June 15, 2024. This tournament, co-sponsored by the governments of Taiwan and Palau, is jointly organized by the Taiwan International Baseball Exchange Development Association and the Palau Major League. The tournament features eight outstanding teams from Taiwan (2 teams), Palau (3 teams), Japan, South Korea, and Guam, all with high spirits and strong competitiveness. The tournament not only provides a platform for athletes from various countries to enhance their skills but also serves as a bridge to foster friendship and exchange among countries. Crowd of over 200 people jointed the opening cheered the players with demonstrated the power of baseball to bring people together.
In her opening remarks, Ambassador Jessica Lee expressed that Taiwan was honored to join Palau in sponsoring this opening ceremony of the Palau international baseball tournament in celebration of the 25th anniversary of Taiwan-Palau diplomatic ties and 30th anniversary of Palau’s independence. She welcomed all the teams and fans to join this tournament in Palau as well as to share their love for baseball and celebrate the friendship that has brought people from different nations together. Ambassador Lee emphasized that for all teams, players, and fans, baseball has always been a national pastime. It teaches us that success is achieved not only by individual talent but also through cooperation and mutual respect. She also thanked the Palau Major League and the Taiwan International Baseball Exchange Development Association for their tireless efforts in making the dream of this tournament a reality.
Minister Gaafar Uherbelau of the Ministry of Health and Human services, delivered his remarks on behalf of President Surangel Whipps Jr., thanking the Taiwanese government for supporting this baseball tournament. He highlighted that Palau is at a crucial historic moment of facing numerous future challenges and opportunities. To address these, including the government actively promote economic diversification, particularly integrating sports tourism into Palau's tourism industry. Minister Uherbelau encouraged players to take the opportunity to explore Palau's beautiful natural scene as well.
During the opening ceremony, Ambassador Jessica Lee, along with Randy Huang, Chairman of the Taiwan International Baseball Exchange Development Association, donated six boxes of training baseballs to the Belau Youth Baseball League. This goodwill gesture from Taiwan aims to support Palauan youth in pursuing their baseball dreams and hopes to enhance future sports exchanges between Taiwan and Palau. Through baseball the bonds between the people of Taiwan, Palau, and other participating countries will be further solidified.
After the donation ceremony, Minister Gaafar Uherbelau and Ambassador Jessica Lee were invited to participate in the ceremonial first pitch. They were joined by U.S. Ambassador Joel Ehrendreich, Japanese Ambassador Hiroyuki Orikasa, Australian Ambassador Richelle Turner, and the representative of the South Korean team. This symbolizes the deep friendship between Taiwan, Palau, and other countries, and also kicked off the game between Taiwan White and South Korea (Jeju).
