About Us
Who is
Palau Aquatics?
The Palau Aquatics Federation, established in 2024, is dedicated to advancing aquatic sports by developing talent and promoting participation across all levels.
We organize competitions and programs, select and manage the national team for international events, and uphold fair play through strong governance.
We are committed to improving aquatic facilities to support the sport’s growth and excellence.
The core mission of the Palau Aquatics Federation is “every child a swimmer”
Mission
The core PAF mission is “every child a swimmer”.
We prioritize development of basic swimming skills for every child through learn-to-swim initiatives in schools and communities.
Strategic Plan &
Projected Costs
Guided by our core mission, “every child a swimmer,” the Palau Aquatics Federation (PAF) has established a strategic plan to develop aquatics for health, safety, fitness, recreation, and competition, as well as to advance aquatics nationwide.
The detailed work plan is structured around three Key Result Areas (KRA) critical for the growth and sustainability of aquatics in Palau.
- Fostering Community Development in Aquatics through grassroots learn-to-swim programs.
- Driving Competitive Performance Enhancement for our athletes.
- Ensuring organizational stability through effective Administration and Financial Management.
Key Result Areas
1. Community Development in Aquatics
The Palau Aquatics Strategic Plan 2021-2025 aims to enhance community engagement in aquatics development through water safety, health, and fitness initiatives. Specific development priorities include:
- Institutionalize swimming as a core component of the MOE Physical Education curriculum for grades 4-6.
- Strengthen linkages between Learn-To-Swim (LTS) and competitive swimming programs.
- Create a structured “Talent ID” program to identify developmental swimmers.
- Organize annual events to promote fun and team-building in aquatics.
- Increase adult participation in aquatics through social marketing strategies.
- Develop partnerships for integrated physical activity programs.
2. Competitive Performance Enhancement
PAF priorities improving competitive swimming performance and athlete resilience.
- Conduct monthly competitions to track athlete progress and personal bests.
- Host annual Winter Championships to engage local athletes and community.
- Identify and train a squad of 12 swimmers (6 male, 6 female) for multi-year training.
- Target events for medal opportunities, including Guam Invitational and Micro-games.
- Develop training plans for athletes to qualify for finals in regional and international competitions.
3. Administration and Financial Management
Palau Aquatics aims to strengthen governance.
- Maintain the integrity of the Meyuns National Pool with a budget of $12,000 for maintenance.
- Develop a four-year indicative budget with funding sources to ensure financial sustainability.
- Transition financial records to Quickbooks for better management and accessibility.
- Establish documented policies for financial management and administrative operations.
- Raise funds through community engagement and active fundraising committees.
Governance Structure
Finances
By-laws were adopted by the general membership at a special Annual General Meeting held on November 21, 2024. Updates at that time brought the PAF by-laws into conformity with requirements of the World Aquatics Federation. PAF is committed to good governance and transparency in the pursuit of aquatics excellence.
Organizational documents. See our By-laws, Good Standing, and more
Meeting documents. See our Minutes from PAF meetings
Finance documents. See our Budget and Financial Statements
Aquatics Inspired
Our Team
Our success is powered by our dedicated Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers. As a united team, we are deeply committed to advancing aquatic sports in Palau, and our collective effort is essential to everything we do.
Members
Membership in PAF is open to any person committed to the development of aquatics in Palau. Membership categories are Individuals (adults or youth), Families, and clubs. (PAF current operates as a unitary organization without clubs).
Our Partners
Palau Aquatics works in close partnership with national, regional, and international partners both public and private.
These relationships are fundamental to our success, as our partners are crucial to our mission, our work, and our direction.
Our Mission: Partners provide the essential resources and network to help us achieve our core mission that “every child a swimmer.”
Our Work: They directly enable our key programs, from community swimming lessons to elite athlete development.
Our Direction: Their collaboration and investment are vital for the successful implementation of our strategic plan, ensuring the long-term health and growth of aquatics in Palau.
PAF is a member of the Palau National Olympic Committee (PNOC) and benefits from substantial in-kind and financial support from PNOC for both development and competition. PAF’s strategic plan 2021-2025 is closely aligned with PNOC’s own strategic plan as well as the Palau National Sport Strategy “Palau Rising”. Through PNOC, PAF benefits from support provided by the Oceania National Olympic Committee and the International Olympic Committee.
Koror State Government has been a major supporter for over 20 years providing safety support for all open water swimming programs. For the PMG25, Koror State and Airai State collaborated to build an open water course meeting international standards.
Palau Pacific Resort is a valued partner who has hosted the Palau Open Water Championship since 2000.
PAF programs would not be possible without Surangel & Sons. Palau’s largest corporation has provided an annual grant to PAF to help support pool chemicals since 2012.
Other corporate supporters include Palau Sea Ventures (dba Sam’s Tours), Western Caroline Trading Company (WCTC), Palau Central Hotel and Elilai Restaurant, Palau Sport Fishing Association, Utiligence (dba Palau Solar), Payless Market, NECO Marine, and Palau Shipping.
Palau Aquatics has benefited from support by the Australian Government for development activities and is a proud member of Oceania Aquatics Federation (OAF) with President, Judy Otto, serving as Vice President of OAF.
Palau Aquatics is a member of World Aquatics with president, Judy Otto, serving on the World Aquatics Bureau. World Aquatics provides an annual development grant to PAF, assists with training and certification of coaching staff and technical officials, and supports Palau swimmers to participate in international competitions.