In the quiet hours before dawn, an excited group of dancers and drummers rise at 4.30am, driven by anticipation and passion for the closing ceremony of the 2024 Cook Islands Games that will be held tomorrow evening at the National Stadium in Nikao.

The cultural performers are united in their commitment to showcase and contribute to the show that celebrates the spirit of the 6000 participants in the nation’s biggest ever event – the Cook Islands Games.

Coordinating and leading the dance performance are the CC Tamure dancing queens Mona Taio, Paige Taio and Uirangi Bishop.

Mona Taio said they were approached by Tauranga Vananga Ministry of Cultural Development last week to coordinate the show.

Dance rehearsals started on Monday at the Punanga Nui Market, welcoming all women who will commit to the performance.

The dancers and Makea Pauka’s drummers are up at 4.30am for the 5am rehearsals at the market.

“This is a big commitment from everyone,” said Mona. “Everyone has been really good, everyone’s been turning up including the older ladies because they want to be a part of the event, all willing to get involved and the women are really excited.”

Mona said people could expect an exciting show that would include fire dancers during the sequence of items.

The four segments will start with an action song, an island pride section featuring representatives from each of the 11 islands, fire dancers and a ura pa’u finale.

“We are encouraging people to come along to the closing event and be a part of these celebrations, and represent your island with pride,” said Mona.

Fireworks will be featured at the closing ceremony. Dog owners are asked to make preparations for their pets.

The 2024 Cook Islands Games enters the second last day today. Beach volleyball, cricket, football, lawn bowls, netball and rugby 7s events were held yesterday. These events will continue today.