On Sunday, July 20 2014, the opening ceremony for the 8th Micronesian Games was held at the Pohnpei Track and Field at 4:00 p.m..
The ceremony began with murmurs from those in attendance as they impatiently awaited for the beginning of the ceremony, then rose with excitement as the atheletes marched through the field with music that moved the crowd. All the athletes from each island that participated in the opening ceremony marched in with their unique music or cultural songs. After the last island marched in, the event-filled ceremony began. One event that stood out was the Sakau (Kava) Ceremony.
According to Pohnpeian culture, in every special occassion there has to be a moment for the sakau ceremony, and the 8th Micro Games is no exception. As the process of making the sakau began, one of the athletes from Guam asked "Why are those men in traditional clothes (koahl, traditional grass skirts) pounding the rocks?" Most of the viewers were fascinated by the actions resulting from the organized events of the sakau ceremony. This particular ceremony made the high ranking people and the high officials great-hearted and appreciative.
Traditionally, the sakau ceremony is a crucial event because it's what the Pohnpeians do to pay their respect and honor their royalties (Nahnmwarki). In this case, the sakau ceremony also has an important role by giving all the athletes the spirit of respect, honor, and the heartof sportmanship.
By: Rency Une and K-M Hawley
United Youth Media
Last Modified on 20/07/2014 23:12