Kiribati wins bid to host 2030 Micronesian Games

2:41 pm today

Micronesian Games 2024. (file image)

Photo: Hilary Hosia

Kiribati will host the 2030 Micronesian Games, the first time the country will do that since the Games began in 1969.

This followed the Micronesian Games Council's (MCG) decision to accept Kiribati's bid, ahead of those from Chuuk, Kiribati, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Palau.

The Kiribati National Olympic Committee said the MGC Executive Board conducted a comprehensive evaluation of each bid, including Games concepts, facilities, accommodations, transportation plans, financial capacity, and alignment with long-term development goals.

"Kiribati's proposal earned the Council's confidence and was endorsed by majority vote during the General Assembly," the statement said.

Council president Joey Miranda III praised the strong interest shown across the region.

"The Micronesian Games are a celebration of our shared identity, our youth, and our commitment to regional cooperation," he said.

"We congratulate Kiribati and thank all bidding jurisdictions for their dedication to advancing sport and unity in Micronesia."

Northern Mariana Islands withdrew their application due to the devastation caused by Super Typhoon Sinlaku.

Established in 1969, the Micronesian Games bring together athletes from across the region every four years.

Kiribati's bid team was led by Cabinet minister Ruth Cross-Kwansing, supported by MGA president Kautu Temakei, MGA secretary general Rota Onorio and Athlete Representative Aribeta Birita.

Cross-Kwansing said the government of Kiribati does not enter this bid lightly.

"Our President, His Excellency Taneti Maamau, has made sports infrastructure a government manifesto priority," she said.

"The reconstruction of the R K Uatioa National Stadium, named after one of our great national leaders and the construction of the Kiribati Institute of Sport are not conditional on winning this bid.

"They are commitments that have already been made to the people of Kiribati. Hosting the Micronesian Games accelerates those commitments."

The construction of the Temaiku Sports Precinct, a purpose-built Games Village, and multi-purpose integrated sports centres across the outer islands, including the National Stadium in Bairiki, and the establishment of the first-ever Kiribati Institute of Sport are key events that will now be worked on as Kiribati prepares to host fellow Micronesians in four years time.

MGA president Temakei said "we are very confident that this "One Ocean One People" Game will be delivered as promised".

MGA Secretary General Onorio said "we will show that Kiribati is ready - ready to host, ready to unite, and ready to inspire".

Athlete Representative Birita added the Games has been something the people of Kiribati had wanted hosted at home for a long time.

"I hope that one day the Micronesian Games will be hosted in Kiribati," she said.

"I know that I am not the only one who feels this way - I am one voice but I represent the thousands of athletes excited to have the Micronesian Games come to Kiribati.

"Kam bati n Rabwa ao Tia Kaitibo ikai n Uoua Tengaa Tenibwi. Thank you and see you here in 2030."

The 11th edition will be hosted by Nauru from 14-23 January 2028, featuring 17 confirmed sports.