Young paddlers back on water

Over 250 junior paddlers are expected to descend on Muri lagoon today for the 2010 Vaka Iti sprint races.

The sprint races brings to an end the successful oe vaka in schools programme with junior paddlers having the opportunity to showcase their new skills in today’s 250km races in the under 14, 16 and under 19 age grades in the girls, boys and mixed divisions.

This is the third year the junior Vaka Iti programme has been hosted by the Cook Islands Canoeing Association.

Six schools will be taking part in the races including teams from Araura College on Aitutaki.

Team will also be fielded by Imanuela Akatemia, Papaaroa College, Titikaveka College and Tereora College.

Races will begin at 2pm and wrap up around 4.

Junior oe vaka coordinator Teina Taulu is also asking senior club paddlers to help out today if you have a spare couple of hours to make the day a success for the future paddlers of the nation.