The Cook Islands Games Lawn Bowls official opening ceremony festival was declared open on Saturday afternoon by Prime Minister Mark Brown.

Beaming with pride, the 11 island bowling representatives sporting their bright new uniforms marched into the Rarotonga Bowling Club green led by their respective flag bearers.

The lawn bowls tournament will kick off tomorrow, Tuesday, October 1, at 5pm with 110 bowlers hitting the green.

John Paul Wilson, president of Cook Islands Bowls, welcomed the participants at the opening event that was followed by an address from Romani Katoa, acting president of Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee (CISNOC).

Ngatuakana Anthony read the Athletes Oath in Māori, and Tiare Jim followed suit in English.

The Officials Oath was read in Māori by Nelson Akava, followed by Anna Kairua who stated the oath in English.

King’s Representative Sir Tom Marsters, Makea Karika George Ariki and his wife Mere, and Nooroa Teina Tiori Rangatira were among the distinguished guests.

Emcee Papatua Papatua ran the programme smoothly which was followed by a sumptuous kaikai for everyone to enjoy.

The biennial Cook Islands Games officially kicks off with a grand opening ceremony marching parade on Friday, October 4, at 6pm at the National Stadium in Nikao. The Games to be held from October 4 to 19 will feature 11 island teams competing in 25 sporting codes.