Yap State, FSM - The Department of Youth and Civic Affairs, in collaboration with the Sports Development Office, recently hosted a dinner gathering to honor and recognize the achievements of three exceptional youth groups from Yap State. The event, held at the Pine Club, was attended by TH Governor Charles Chieng, esteemed Senators Mafel, Bamog, Lamaar, Sulog, and other cabinet members, making it an unforgettable occasion.
The first youth group to be acknowledged was the 17 and Under Junior Basketball team, which represented Yap State in the FSM Wide Junior Basketball League held in Pohnpei from June 28 to July 4. Although the team did not secure any medals, they were recognized for their exceptional performance stated Director Gilfiley, who accompanied them as the head of the delegation. He encouraged the young athletes to gear up for next year's competition when Yap State will host the league, motivating them with the words, "There is no option but to win."
The second group to be recognized was the Yap Football Association Soccer team, who achieved a remarkable feat by emerging as champions in the 2023 FSM Micro Cup. Coach Brian Southwick, in his remarks, highlighted the team's dedication and hard work that turned their past losses into a driving force to excel. He shared, "Loss can do two things, you can sit there and feel sorry for yourself, or use it to improve yourself for the next time." A member of this team who was recognized by the Department as the Youth of the Year this past June, was also named Most Valuable Player (MVP) in this year's Micro Cup competition.
The third group that garnered recognition was a team of six children, aged 10 to 14, accompanied by Senator Laamar, who embarked on a week-long trip to Japan as part of the Japan/Yap children exchange program. Their experiences in Japan left a lasting impression as they shared their fondness for Japanese food, the cleanliness, and organization of the country, with one of them even admitting, "I went to Japan and I did not want to come back to Yap." The children's heartfelt remarks became the highlight of the reception, bringing smiles to everyone's faces.
During the gathering, Governor Chieng addressed all the youth groups, stressing the significance of travel and diverse experiences in shaping young minds. He urged them to pursue excellence in every aspect of life, encouraging a spirit of continuous growth and improvement.
The night concluded with gratitude expressed by the youth groups to the Department of Youth and Civic Affairs for their support and encouragement throughout their overseas adventures. The event not only honored the accomplishments of the young participants but also served as a testament to the commitment of Yap State in nurturing its youth and providing them with opportunities to thrive on both national and international stages.
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