Water stops with a difference

Water was not the only thing that raised the spirits of the Round Raro Road Runners.

While hydration was key to the event, the Girl Guides Association raised the art of giving out water to a whole new level.

The Girl Guides was responsible for manning 11 water stops and each stop was vividly decorated with balloon, flowers, tivaevae, pareu and pot plants.

“Our members around the island always do 11 water spots as arranged and liaised with the Athletic Cook Islands executives members at the main office CISNOC with Mama Ina Marsters,” says the national president for the Girl Guides Association Ngara Katuke.

They all took this responsibility very seriously as each stop was a potential winner for the Cook Islands News best dressed spot competition.

“For some spots the leaders and the girls will wake up early to prepare their spots, that is tables, decorations, buckets, sponges, glasses and so forth,” says Katuke.

Each stop was manned with six to ten girls angling for the prize.

“Along with the girls, most spots included friends and family members who got involved to support this event,” said Katuke.

The winners of the event were: first prize of $150 for the Tangee Store managed by the Nikao Girl Guides Company, second prize of $100 for Pani Ben’s Store managed by the Titikaveka Girl Guides Company, third prize of $50 for Vaima Restaurant managed by the Arorangi Girl Guides Company.

Consolation dinner vouchers went out to St Joseph Girl Guides, Avarua Girl Guides, Ngatangiia Girl Guides and Matavera Sacred Heart Girl Guides.

For Katuke herself the event was really special.

“Being the new national president for the Girl Guides Association Cook Islands it is getting easier to organise such events because most leaders have been doing this every year.

“And it is always good to know that they are going to put their time and effort in ensuring that everyone plays their part to make our visitors feel welcome and enjoy their holiday in the Cook Islands and even strengthen our relationship to the NGO and the organisers of this special event.”

The association has been taking part in the races for nine years.

Says Katuke: “We have offered our support as part of our community service program under our global theme called “Relationship to Society”, where we partner with another NGO’s to support any specific programme, project or event in their organisation. This is the little that we could do to provide our service and support to the Athletic Cook Islands.”

The organisation would like to thank the Athletic Cook Islands executive members, and management and staff of the Island Hopper Vacation, for making the event special.