Sick of criticism

CISNOC-appointed Chef de Mission and national sporting advocate George George is sick and tired of being labelled a bad guy.

George gave a passionate speech at the special general meeting of the Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee (CISNOC) on Tuesday evening.

He stood and addressed the almost 100 people in attendance following criticism of CISNOC executives.

George says he works hard in the name of Cook Islands sport, and wants national federation members to understand that.

Im really disappointed with whats going on. My family is hurting, my kids are hurting theyre asking me why the hell Im working at CISNOC because the perception out there is that we are bad, that we are the bad guys.

George says a lot of CISNOC executives put in long hours in the name of the organisation and for sport as a whole, despite holding down regular jobs.

I work for CITC but theres a lot of work in my office to do with CISNOC and it really hurts me when I hear that (criticism). I do a lot for sports and Im on the board because Im passionate about sports.

George says while he and other board members sometimes argue with CISNOC president Sir Geoffrey Henry, he still maintains respect for the former Prime Minister.

To get to a point where hes been put out in the paper that hes a bad guy, and the one comparing him to Hitler, is going too far way too far.

A parody of CISNOC and Sir Geoffrey depicting the infamous German leader has made its way on to the internationally popular website YouTube.

George says those with problems about CISNOC, or his performance as a board member, need to talk to him directly.

Because Im sick and tired of the criticism.