Fundraiser helps sailors prepare for games

Wednesday 26: A Sailing Cook Islands fundraiser last Friday raised $4000 at a function which featured a presentation by New Zealand Olympian sailboarding gold medallist, Barbara Kendall.

The fundraiser held at the Ngatangiia Sports Club attracted around 200 people who ventured out to support local sailors preparing for the Pacific Mini Games and to meet Kendall.

Sailing laser coach Anne Tierney says that the night was a big success and had a real positive feel.

She says that the funds raised from the evening will go towards sailing gears for the team’s game preparations.

Anne says that during one weekend, four mast tops were broken and while the Rarotonga Sailing Club helped to purchase replacement masts, the funds raised on Friday will hopefully cover these costs.

Anne adds that the funds will also go towards the purchase of equipment needed by sailors during the games competition including life jackets and harnesses.

“The funds will cover the physical costs of preparing for the games and the sailing competition,” says Anne.

She says that Friday night’s fundraiser was a very entertaining evening with Kendall sharing some of her humorous stories as she travelled the world for competitions before becoming a Kiwi sporting icon.

Kendall has also been helping the local sailors preparing for the games giving them expert advice and support.

The Cook Islands sailing team for the Pacific Mini Games are (laser) Teau Mackenzie, Helema Williams, Taua Elisa and Junior Charlie.

The hobie cat crews are Toka Narayan and Peter Tierney, Tanus Henry and Aquila Tatira with Jan Christenson and David Paolo standing in as hobie category crew reserves.

Another sailing fundraiser will be held on Aitutaki this coming weekend.

The sailors would like to thank everyone that supported their fundraiser and a big meitaki maata to Kendall for her inspiring talk. - Matariki Wilson