Palau to introduce Baseball5 in Elementary Schools

A joint partnership between the Palau Softball Federation, the Palau Baseball Federation and the Ministry of Education aims to introduce the five-on-five version of baseball/softball in the Oceania archipelago's Elementary Schools physical education programme.

The Ministry of Education's Sports Specialist, Dean Terry, and coach Yoshiaki Arai of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) conducted a six-hour course and a practical session on the field.

Ten physical education teachers from the Aimeliik, Angaur, KES, Meyuns, GBH, Melekeok, Nigaraard, Ngardmau, and Ngaremlengui elementary schools participated in the two sessions. They now target third, fourth, and fifth graders.

In a press release, Carolyn D. Ngiraidin, Vice President of the Palau Softball Federation, stated: "Baseball5 is ideal for school programmes. It's a low-liability and contact-free discipline, gender-balanced, and has a minimal impact on the school's budget. It adapts to every environment, is quick to learn, and is open to all ages. It also has educational value since it's sustainable and encourages teamwork, strategic thinking, and concentration."