The 2023 International Va’a Federation (IVF) World Paddling Distance Championships officially opened in Apia, Samoa yesterday morning with a spectacular fleet of canoes paddling into the harbour and a powerful dance by Samoan warriors.

The Prime Minister of Samoa, Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa, welcomed the participants in her address, and gifts were presented by representatives of the 27 visiting countries in the event.

Twenty-eight strong paddlers from the Cook Islands Canoeing Association (CICA) – the “largest and fittest squad ever” – are representing the nation in Apia for the IVF Championships to be held from August 10-19. 

Team Cook Islands’ flag bearers at the opening ceremony were Andre Tutaka George and Serena Hunter.

Hunter said the team received many compliments about their stunning TAV’s formal outfits they wore at the opening ceremony.

Over 1000 paddlers will compete for the world distance titles over 12km to 24km distances in courses set out of Apia harbour.

The IVF World race schedule for Team Cook Islands Oe vaka is as follows.

Monday 14^th August - 11am Tara Cummings Open women’s V1 16k   (CIs time Sunday 13 Aug, 10am).

Tuesday 15^th August: 10.30am Andre Tutaka George Open men’s v1 16k (CIs time Monday 14 Aug, 9.30am); 1.30pm J16 girls v6 16k       (CIs time Monday 14 Aug, 12.30pm).

Wednesday 16^th August: 7.40am Rachael Matapuku Walker M40 v1 16k (CIs time Tues 15 Aug, 6.40am); 1.30pm Beal Vogel Beal M40 men v1 16k (CIs time Tues 15 Aug, 12.30pm); 1.40pm Serena Hunter M50 women v1 16k (CIs time Tues 12.40pm).

Thursday 17^th August: 7.30am Aleida Tere J16 v1 12k (CIs time Weds 16 Aug, 6.30am); 10.30am Open women’s v6 Kelly Pick, Noovai Tylor Aspris, Samantha Ellison, Ana File Heather, Tina Mitchell, Talissa Koteka - V6 24k (CIs time Weds 16, Aug, 9.30am); 1.30pm Deedee Akava J16 boys v1 12k (CIs time Weds 16 Aug, 12.30pm).

Friday 18^th August: 10.30am Phil Ave M50 men v1 16k (CIs time Thurs 17 Aug, 9.30am; 1.30pm Open men’s v6 Andre Tutaka George, Damien Heather, Raniera Ellison, AJ Mataora, Pomare Pittman, Teava Hunter, Ben Raela - V6 24k (CIs time Thurs 17Aug, 12.30pm).