The three-day boxing tournament as part of the Cook Islands Games this week wrapped up with a bang, with the Cook Islands Boxing Federation (CIBF) seeing so much potential in the local talents.

The highly entertaining event held at the National Auditorium concluded on Wednesday night.

Cook Islands Boxing Federation president Elizabeth Ama-Schuster described the three nights of the event as “spectacular”, highlighting an increased interest and participation in this year’s Games compared to the previous two.

“This year’s Cook Islands Games clearly shows that we have so much potential here in the Cook Islands especially in the Junior/Youth division and this is an area we would like to improve on with grassroots development of our young and upcoming children to one day represent us internationally in upcoming and future competitions,” Ama-Schuster told Cook Islands News.

“Thank you to all the Island Teams for registering your interest in our code and also for your support in the lead-up and throughout the three nights of competition.

“Congratulations to all the athletes that took up the challenge to participate in boxing and we (are) very sure that you have made your Islands proud as well as your families proud near and far and you have proven that it is possible. Wishing you all the best for the rest of Cook Islands Games 2024 and may the best Island(s) win.”

The president explained that they had a few interesting matches throughout the event mainly in the Opens Division’s which exposed the boxers’ fitness levels. These bouts also hyped the crowd with noise level echoing into the mountains behind the National Auditorium.

Ama-Schuster said the federation received very pleasing results from the event, as well as the Island Teams, who received podium finishes in both the U18 and Open categories for both men and women.

She added the Northern Group islands of Manihiki, Pukapuka, Rakahanga and Tongareva were dominant in the two divisions and also highlighted the increase in female boxers’ participation this year.

Ama-Schuster acknowledged the sponsors of the Cook Islands Games 2024: Vodafone Cook Islands, BCI Bank – People’s Bank, Te Aponga Uira, Ministry of Cultural Development – Tauranga Vananga (staff and management), and CISNOC.

She also expressed special thanks to Cook Islands Boxing Federation, to their officials (referees/judges – Nooroa Tupa, Paul Mangakahia, Paul Allsworth, Tabitha Ahsin, Joeli Ledua and Moutara Cummings), administration team (Karen, Mary, Tania), ring-setup team (Fred, Taneao and junior youth boys), all the club coaches/trainers from Waltingo Boxing, Arai-Te-Tonga Boxing, Atiu Boxing, Ngatangiia/Matavera Boxing, Avatiu Kickboxing/Boxing and Rising Stars Boxing and everyone else working behind the scenes to ensure that they ran a successful event.

“Lastly, we would like to wish a long-time member of our Federation who has always put his hand-up to assist us in all our events and dedicated his evenings throughout our three nights of boxing. Happy 70^th Birthday Papa Nooroa Tupa – no words can express how very grateful we are for your continuous support and love for the sport of boxing and we hope you had a great celebration with your family and friends,” Ama-Schuster said.

“We look forward to seeing you all again at our next Cook Islands Games.”

Results

Gold medallists: U18 Men: 65-70kg Teono Aberahama (Atiu), 70-75kg Taratake Beniamina (Manihiki), 76-80kg Caleb Ngamata (Rarotonga), 81-85kg Canaan Mokoroa (Atiu), 91+kg William Tuao-Robertson (Manihiki).

U18 Women: 70-75kg Leah Schuster (Manihiki), 91+kg Lawesha Samuel Mario (Aitutaki).

Open Women: 71-75kg Charlene Akaruru (Pukapuka), 81-90kg Aumetua Maine-More (Tongareva), 91+kg Kim Tare (Mangaia).

Open Men: 71-75kg Scholar Ngatokorua (Pukapuka), 76-80kg Joseph Taripo. (Mauke), 81-85kg Jonah Papa (Palmerston), 86-90kg Vaea Nicholas Manavaroa (Rarotonga), 91+kg Michael Schuster (Manihiki).