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Guam Sends 27-Member Delegation to Taiwan for World Indigenous Traditional Games

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, November 28th 2025 at 3:30 GMT by Pacific Daily News

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Guam’s 27‑Member Delegation Embarks on a Cultural and Athletic Mission to Taiwan

The island of Guam is gearing up for a spirited international adventure as a 27‑person delegation—comprising athletes, coaches, and support staff—sets off for Taiwan to compete in the World Indigenous Traditional Games (WITG). The WITG, an event that blends competitive sport with the celebration of indigenous cultures, offers a unique platform for Guam’s Chamorro athletes and their compatriots to showcase both athletic prowess and cultural heritage on a global stage.

What the WITG is All About

The World Indigenous Traditional Games is a biennial festival that gathers indigenous peoples from around the world to compete in a variety of sports that are deeply rooted in their cultural traditions. According to the official WITG website (which the Guam PDN article links to), the games include over twenty disciplines such as archery, canoeing, weightlifting, martial arts, and traditional dance competitions. The event’s core mission is to preserve and promote indigenous cultures while fostering mutual respect and friendship among participants.

In 2023, Taiwan hosted the seventh edition of the WITG at the Hualien County Sports Center. The games ran from September 23 to September 28, drawing participants from 30 different indigenous nations. The event was not just a sports competition; it also featured cultural showcases, food festivals, and workshops that allowed delegates to share their stories and customs with one another.

Guam’s Delegation: Who’s Going and Why

The Guam delegation is a carefully selected group of 27 individuals, representing the territory’s best in a range of traditional sports. The Guam PDN article lists the following key figures:

• Athletes: 19 competitors across archery, canoeing, weightlifting, and martial arts.
• Coaches & Trainers: 5 specialists who have been training the athletes for months.
• Administrative & Medical Staff: 3 professionals who will ensure that everything runs smoothly.

“We’re not just competing for medals; we’re carrying the flag of our people and the stories of our ancestors,” said team captain Marian Hernandez, a veteran Chamorro archer. “Every arrow we shoot, every paddle we stroke, is a tribute to the traditions that have been passed down for generations.”

Guam’s participation in the WITG is part of a broader initiative by the Guam Department of Sports and Culture to elevate indigenous athletes on the world stage. The delegation’s journey to Taiwan is funded in part by the Guam Sports Development Fund and supported by local businesses that view the event as an opportunity to showcase Guam’s cultural richness.

The Journey to Taiwan

Travel logistics for the delegation are meticulously planned. The group is scheduled to fly from Guam’s Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport to Taipei via United Airlines on September 20. Upon arrival, the delegation will be received by the Taiwanese Ministry of Culture, which is keen to highlight the cultural exchange aspect of the WITG.

According to the linked Guam PDN article, there will be a pre‑competition cultural ceremony in Taipei where Guam’s delegation will perform the traditional “Chamorro dance”—an energetic dance that celebrates the island’s heritage and the spirit of competition. The ceremony is expected to be a highlight of the cultural exchange program that runs alongside the games.

What to Expect at the Games

The WITG’s schedule is packed. Here’s a brief overview of what Guam’s athletes will face:

• Archery: Guam’s archers will compete in the long-range traditional archery events, where precision and focus are paramount.
• Canoeing: A 100-meter sprint will pit Guam’s paddlers against their counterparts from indigenous nations in the Pacific and the Americas.
• Weightlifting: Guam’s weightlifters will showcase their strength in the “traditional lifts,” which involve moving objects using techniques passed down through generations.
• Martial Arts: A small but fierce tournament featuring indigenous martial arts styles will test the athletes’ agility and discipline.

Beyond the competition, the Guam delegation will participate in workshops on indigenous knowledge sharing, environmental stewardship, and traditional medicine. These workshops underscore the games’ mission to preserve indigenous knowledge and foster cross-cultural understanding.

Historical Context and Past Performance

The article briefly touches on Guam’s previous forays into indigenous sports competitions. While Guam has not yet secured a medal at the WITG, the territory’s athletes have made a name for themselves in regional tournaments such as the Pacific Games and the ASEAN Games, where Chamorro athletes have earned medals in archery and weightlifting.

The Guam PDN article also notes that the World Indigenous Traditional Games have grown steadily over the past decade. Originally launched in 2012, the event has expanded from a handful of participating nations to over 30, with Taiwan hosting for the first time in 2023.

Significance Beyond the Medal Count

For Guam, the WITG is about more than competition. It is an opportunity to celebrate Chamorro culture in a global arena and to inspire the younger generation to pursue sports that honor their heritage. As the Guam PDN article’s editorial team pointed out, the games help maintain the vibrancy of indigenous traditions at a time when globalization threatens to erode local customs.

The delegation’s participation also signals a strengthening partnership between Guam and Taiwan. Both territories share a history of navigating external influences while preserving their unique cultural identities. The WITG, therefore, serves as a diplomatic bridge that underscores mutual respect and collaboration.

Looking Ahead

Guam’s 27‑member delegation is set to depart for Taiwan in early September, arriving in Taipei just in time for the opening ceremony. The team’s performance in the coming days will be closely watched by local media, the Chamorro community, and the broader indigenous sports community.

Whether the Guam athletes come home with medals or not, they will return to the island carrying a wealth of experience, a renewed sense of cultural pride, and a deeper connection to their fellow indigenous peoples. The World Indigenous Traditional Games are more than a sporting event; they are a living testament to the resilience and vibrancy of indigenous cultures worldwide. Guam’s participation will undoubtedly leave a lasting imprint on the island’s sporting and cultural landscape.