Athletes showcase Cook Islands

The Cook Islands youth Olympic team in Singapore spent the weekend promoting the country by manning a Cook Islands booth and showcasing our unique culture.

The team, made up of a boys handball team, two swimmers and two sailors performed for the 204 countries taking part in the inaugural Youth Olympics as well as for their ‘twinning’ school that has been assigned to support the Cook Islands.

The team conducted a traditional turou, imene tuki, action song, haka, ura piani wrapped up with a recital of the national anthem.

The local team will also visit schools this week and are expected to perform to around 1500 students.

Meanwhile, national sailors Teau McKenzie and Aquila Tatira continue to improve their sailing skills with the aim of gaining as much international experience as they can on the waters of Singapore.

The pair have been sailing in a new class of vessels – the Byte CII class.

The national handball team faced a tough Korean opposition who are ranked second in the world.

The Cooks battled valiantly but were beaten 70-4 by Korea.

The Cook Islands goals came via Peter Tuaratini, Peter Kermode who scored two goals while Cruz Robati chipped in with a goal of his own.

The Cook Islands team was vocally supported by host nation Singapore during the match.

The team will not face Singapore for 5th and 6th placing at the games.

Swimming sibling Aaron and Celeste Brown have finished their competition at the games and despite achieving great placing in their respective heats – their times were not fast enough to continue in the competition.

Team Cook Islands can be contacted on the following email address smarsters@cisnoc.org.ck

Young athletes promote country – pg 11