Apii Nikao Primary School triumphed at the Cook Islands Aquatics Federation (CIAF) Kau Swimming Competition, taking home the overall trophy.

Year 1-4 students from Apii Nikao, Arorangi, Te Uki Ou, Rutaki, Takitumu and Aitutaki participated on the second day of the popular event held at Vaiana’s Bar & Bistro in Nikao yesterday.

The little swimmers showed determination in the 12.5 metres event as well as the older kids in the 25m races, cheered on by their parents and teachers.

Although a few little ones veered off into the floating lane markers they quickly recovered, and were loudly cheered on to get to the finish line.

“It’s been great,” said Romani Katoa, president of the Cook Islands Aquatics Federation.

“It’s always good to see the kids showing the swimming skills that they have been learning.”

The students have been participating in swimming lessons coached by CIAF development officers Leslie and Kieran Chan during Term 1 and last year’s Term 4, for this competition.

Katoa said the competition featured the top swimmers from the schools in Rarotonga.

“It’s also great to see swimmers from Aitutaki here for the first time – part of our outreach programme reaching out to Pa Enua.”

Cook Islands Aquatics is responsible for the promotion and development of swimming and water safety in the Cook Islands.

“Our programme and plans are aimed at teaching all our kids how to swim, use the right techniques, about water safety, and build up their confidence in the water,” said Katoa.

“We train in the lagoon and the kids understand about the current, the waves, and the conditions; whereas the pool is more controlled.”

The Kau Competition was held on Tuesday and Wednesday this week.