Following in the footsteps of Palauan Hero Prince Lee Boo - Olympic Torch Relay

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• published: 06 Jul 2012
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Following in the footsteps of Palauan Hero Prince Lee Boo by Gemma. 230 years ago a link between Palau and England was first established that many English people are unaware of. The Republic of Palau, a tropical Oceania country is made up of over 200 small islands and has an estimated population of less than 21,000. Jack Udui Jr, a 15year old Palauan, has been chosen to make the journey to the UK in order to represent his country as a prestigious Olympic torchbearer for London 2012. This trip mirrors that of the Palauan Prince, Lee Boo, who made this significant connection in 1783. The story of Prince Lee Boo began when three Rotherhithe men (Captain Wilson, his son and brother) began a secret voyage to cross the Pacific from East to West, aboard the East India Company's ship, the Antelope. On the stormy night of 9th August 1783 their ship was blown off course and was wrecked on Ulong, an island belonging to the group of islands Captain Wilson referred to as 'Pelew', later to be known as Palau. This part of Palau was ruled by the High Chief Ibedul, of the time, who allowed the men to have sanctuary on this Island in return for helping them defeat rival island villagers, who were causing problems. After observing how the Englishmen rebuilt their ship using salvaged parts from the Antelope and through sawing trees into timbers, Ibedul wanted his sons to learn how to be an "Englishman". He requested that his first son learnt English and that his second, Prince Lee Boo, were to be taken back to England with Captain Wilson. Prince Lee Boo used the stars and the tides to navigate them back to England and won the admiration of the Antelope's crew through his skill at throwing a spear. Similarly once they arrived in England he was beloved by all who met him. After only five months it was discovered that Lee Boo had smallpox which eventually claimed his life, like it did many others in London at the time. Prince Lee Boo was buried in the churchyard outside St Mary's Church in Rotherhithe. This site is special to Palauans and the journey to visit the tomb has become a pilgrimage for many. Similarly there is a statue of Prince Lee Boo dressed as an Englishmen on the Palauan Island, Koror, showing the importance of this connection between England and Palau. Both Prince Lee Boo and Jack whole heartedly demonstrated the Olympic values through their journeys from Palau to England. The exchange with Prince Lee Boo and the Englishmen allowed Lee Boo to establish and develop new friendships, which first started back in Palau, on Ulong. It similarly would provide him, a small Island boy, an equal opportunity for what was viewed at that time as England being a leader in education and technology. For Jack similarly coming from the same small country provides him the opportunity to experience new cultures and make new friends through sport and especially with other torch bearers from the International Inspiration programme. Prince Lee Boo earned the respect of the Englishmen and was regarded as a gentleman, similarly to Prince Lee Boo, Jack has earned the respect of many in Palau and England after showing his determination to become more active. He similarly has earned the respect of the other torch bearers, and agrees that they have become great motivaters and friends. One day Jack hopes to become a basketball player like his sporting hero, the American basketball player, Shaquille O'Neal. The importance of Prince Lee Boo to Palauans is reinforced by the fact that the Palauan London 2012 athlete and flag bearer, Rodman Teltull, has been given a blessing from the current High Chief Ibedul allowing him to wear ceremonial clothing that bares a likeness to that of Prince Lee Boo's, which will be showcased to the world while Rodman Teltull carries the Palauan flag during the London 2012 opening ceremony. .............. This story was told by Gemma from The Reporters' Academy, a media production company run by young people, tasked with the mission of telling all the Oceania Olympic stories. Via The Reporters' Academy Gemma has been assigned the responsibility from Palau National Olympic Committee to represent their nation throughout the games, as their official media representative. The Reporters' Academy is integrated into the world of media, education and employment, based in two great sporting cities, Manchester and Melbourne and is officially Inspired by London 2012. Thanks to Palau National Olympic Committee,Oceania National Olympic Committee, Palau Ministry of Education, Oceania Television Network and The Reporters' Academy for collaborating efficiently to tell the world this story.