Overview:
The Palau Archery Association is gearing up for the Belau Games with its second “Learn to Shoot a Bow & Arrow” clinic weekend at Aimeliik Nekken Field. Open to beginners and experienced archers alike, the clinic aims to sharpen skills, build confidence, and identify future athletes who could represent Team Palau at next year’s Pacific Games in Tahiti.
By: Laurel Marewibuel
KOROR, Palau — The Palau Archery Association will hold the second week of its Learn to Shoot a Bow & Arrow clinic happening at the ending of may, at Aimeliik Nekken Field as archers prepare for the Belau Games this summer.
Sessions run 9 a.m. to noon both days. The association encourages anyone interested in competing in archery to attend at least one clinic. For more information, call Kyarii at 775-6049.
Melvira Kazuma, president of the Palau Archery Association, said the clinics aim to increase both enjoyment and competitiveness in the sport across Palau.
“Our goal is to elevate both the enjoyment and the competitiveness of archery in Palau,” Kazuma said. “Because archery requires a significant financial investment, these clinics ensure our community gets the most out of the equipment we’ve procured. By offering targeted training, we are building the foundational skills and technical knowledge that will help our participants truly thrive in the sport.”
Kazuma said archery is accessible to all skill levels.
“Archery is absolutely a sport for everyone, from absolute beginners to Olympians,” she said. “Newcomers can expect to hit the bullseye at least once — and that single shot is usually all it takes to get hooked! You should also expect to completely miss the 122-centimeter target face from 10 meters out, and that is completely fine. There is no judgment here. Archery is a discipline where your only true competitor is yourself; the real challenge is mastering your own focus before you ever worry about anyone else’s score.”
She added the clinics will help prepare local athletes for national competition and international selection.
“We want to promote archery across Palau and deeply engage our local communities,” Kazuma said. “Leading into the Belau Games, these clinics are vital for building our archers’ confidence so we can host a highly competitive national tournament. Ultimately, the Belau Games serve as our official selection platform, and we are focused on identifying and shaping the top talent who will represent Team Palau at the Pacific Games in Tahiti next year.”
Kazuma emphasized that training reflects actual competition conditions and that safety is a priority.
“Archery is for everyone, from complete beginners to Olympians! There is zero judgment here — you might miss the target completely at first, but hitting that very first bullseye is all it takes to get hooked,” she said. “We train rain or shine, exactly how we compete. Come ready for an authentic, thrilling mental game against the elements — whether it’s hot and dusty, wet and muddy, windy, or dead calm. Above all, safety is our top priority, so handling the bows and arrows with care is the first thing you’ll learn. Come with an open mind, closed-toe shoes, and gear for any weather — sunscreen, bucket hats, umbrellas, and tons of hydration. It’s challenging, it’s exciting, and it’s the ultimate test of focus!”
