The spotlight is shining brightly on the Filipino crew of the chemical product tanker OWL 5 as they receive a prestigious Certificate of Commendation from the Maritime Authority of the Republic of The Marshall Islands. The announcement was made on March 26, 2025, by Interunity Management Corp. (IMC), acknowledging the crew's "exceptional seamanship and professionalism" during a life-saving medical evacuation at sea that occurred back in May 2024.
Captain Kondrate Gvadzabia led the OWL 5 crew, which included a significant representation of 12 Filipino members. They performed remarkably when they responded to an urgent distress call from the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) of Delgada while navigating from Tarragona, Spain, to New York. Armed with their training and quick thinking, they managed a successful transfer of a severely ill crew member from a neighboring sailing vessel to a rescue helicopter dispatched from Terceira Island.
In recognizing the accomplishments of their crew, IMC stated, "This commendation highlights the dedication, skill, and commitment of the OWL 5 team to maritime safety and the well-being of those at sea. Their actions embody the finest traditions of our profession and serve as an inspiration to us all." Furthermore, Leo Bolivar, the Philippines' country manager of International Registries (Far East) Limited, praised the efforts of the Filipino seafarers. He emphasized the importance of the safety of life at sea, declaring, "The humanitarian deeds initiated by the officers and crew of M/T OWL 5 are a testament that heroism and compassion know no boundaries. To the 12 Filipino crew members, your country has much to be proud of. On behalf of the Marshall Islands Registry – Manila, we congratulate each and every one of you, Kabayans. Well done, and safe seas ahead!"
In a related development, the Marshall Islands soccer team is set to make its historical mark by playing its first-ever international tournament during the 2025 Outrigger Cup in Northwest Arkansas. This exciting tournament, founded by the Marshall Islands Soccer Federation (MISF) volunteers Lloyd Owers and Matt Webb, aims to showcase underrepresented nations, with a special emphasis on the Pacific and Micronesian islands.
As Owers and Webb note, the MISF proudly promotes their team as the “last country on Earth without a soccer team” before 2020 when it was the only United Nations member without one. "For our players, it’s a dream come true to represent their country," they shared in a statement, highlighting how this experience, despite not being an official FIFA match, will deeply resonate for the athletes.
The Outrigger Cup derives its name from the traditional Micronesian outrigger canoe, historically used to navigate between islands. The inaugural event was held in July 2024 as a futsal tournament in Majuro, showcasing teams from the Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, and the Marshall Islands. The upcoming 2025 tournament, set for August 11–17 at John Brown University, marks the transition to 11-vs-11 matches.
To successfully host the tournament, organizers have initiated a Kickstarter campaign targeting the raising of more than $100,000. The funds are crucial, with around $30,000 needed for transporting players from the Marshall Islands to the U.S., alongside hosting expenses that amount to another $20,000 per team. Webb conveyed, "The Kickstarter will give us a small boost toward the ultimate goal, but we are also working hard to secure sponsorships to make this historic event possible."
Looking beyond the Outrigger Cup, the MISF has ambitious plans for the future of soccer development in the Marshall Islands. With a population of approximately 60,000 scattered across five islands and 30 atolls, the federation encounters numerous challenges in establishing a robust national soccer program. Their vision includes forming both men’s and women’s national teams in 11-a-side soccer as well as futsal, while ensuring sustainability through school initiatives and local engagement, particularly focusing on the extensive Marshallese communities in the U.S., especially in Northwest Arkansas.
As Owers articulated, "I have my own goals. I’d love to work for a FIFA-recognized nation, and hopefully that’s the Marshall Islands." Following last year's successful women’s national team training camp in the region, Northwest Arkansas has been embraced as the U.S. hub for MISF's activities. Owers and Webb reflected on the discovery of close ties between the Marshall Islands and the U.S., noting the historical migration patterns triggered by employment opportunities in the area.
With fans from over 50 countries investing in Marshall Islands replica jerseys, support for the soccer federation has gained momentum across the globe. The designs originated from a Twitter contest won by an Argentinian designer, affirming the connection between international supporters. "Somebody who supports the biggest team in the world helped the newest team in the world. That’s incredible," Owers and Webb noted.
While some uncertainties remain regarding this year's tournament, the overarching aim is clear: to provide the Marshall Islands soccer team with an invaluable platform for international competition and to further advance the development of the sport within the Pacific region. "This entire project has been about the global soccer community coming together, so it’s no surprise that this tournament will have a similarly eclectic feel," Owers and Webb asserted.
