Due to ongoing generous sponsorship from Cook Islands Building Supplies (CIBS), Arama and Vaine Wichman, the Cook Islands Rugby Union (CIRU) coaches, educators and rising rugby instructors are sporting bright new apparel.

Arama Wichman presented 30 singlets and 30 t-shirts to CIRU Development Manager Ben Koteka for his team of trainers.

Wichman, who has always been passionate about rugby union, made a commitment to himself many years ago that one day he would help with building rugby union in the country. He has also sponsored the Arorangi Bears and the referees association.

He supports rugby unions’ delivery of holistic rugby sessions which envelops the whole well-being of a child, in schools.

“Sports is one of the good things you can get your kids into. It’s about giving confidence to our kids, to build up a child to take on the challenges in life starting from when they are little.”

Wichman was proud to see young ambassadors in the programme stepping into their roles to teach kids with enthusiasm.

Development Manager Koteka said CIBS has always supported their rugby programmes.

CIRU Development Manager Ben Koteka and CIRU women's development program coordinator and world rugby educator Harriet Tuara delivered the healthy living and Rugby Rising Pa Enua Outreach Programme in Mauke. CIRU/25030418

Recently, CIRU Rugby union ran the healthy living and Rugby Rising Pa Enua Outreach Programme in Mauke teaching both theory and practical sessions in the classroom and out on the pitch with the school students.

The kids played rippa rugby and the programme wrapped up with an exciting tournament giving both the junior and senior kids the opportunity to showcase their skills and talents.

Koteka says the programme was not just about building up the child physically, but also emotionally, mentally, spiritually, socially, and environmentally – a person’s whole being.

“Having the opportunity to live a healthy living. I’m focused on building a foundation for our kids with values, helping to build character with healthy living and the rugby rising programme. Teaching discipline, honesty, and respect helps our kids build up their values,” he said.

CIRU women's development program coordinator and world rugby educator, Harriet Tuara delivered the healthy living and rugby rising programme in Mauke with Koteka and the training and education team.

Tuara says they have collaborated to take further value programmes to the Pa Enua.

“We want to empower the students to become better leaders for themselves, in the school and in the community using rugby activities to keep the kids engaged,” said Tuara.

The junior students explored healthy habits to improve their overall well-being, learning simple yet impactful habits to support their growth while the senior students divided into discussions about the importance of values - both in rugby and in life.

Rising Rugby Youth Ambassador young Mahana Sijp is a role model and mentor for aspiring young rugby stars.

“We were incredibly proud to have Mahana join and support our training and education workforce in taking rugby development to the Pa Enua,” said Tuara.

“Her extensive sporting background - having represented the Cook Islands in Handball, Touch Rugby, and both Rugby 7s and 15s (U18s) - brings immense value to our programme.”

Sijp’s involvement in the delivery of World Rugby’s bespoke girls’ values program, Rugby Rising, is a tremendous asset to Cook Islands Rugby Union, Tuara added.

“She has already demonstrated strong leadership on Mauke, assisting with clinics, skills sessions, and drills at Apii Mauke, and making a meaningful impact on the ground.

“We were delighted to have Mahana on this journey with us and to witness her growth in the role. Her contributions are invaluable to our team and she has already made a positive impact, inspiring young girls in Akatokamanava.”

Sijp said she enjoyed her first visit to Mauke, teaching the kids virtues and values and was impressed with how respectful the kids were.

This year, Kōrero O Te 'Ōrau, an environmental non-governmental organisation (NGO) have come on board the project represented by talented culture youth leader Nicolea Mateariki.

She said her presentation to the Apii Mauke kids focused on culture and traditions and its partnership as well as how important sustainable living is. “It wasn’t just about sport and culture, it was about everything - holistic learning,” Mateariki said.