Hundreds gathered at the National Stadium for the official opening of the 2024 Cook Islands Games last night.

The third edition of the biennial, two-week event from October 4 to 19 will see Cook Islanders from here and abroad, as well as eligible expatriates, participating for medals in 25 sporting codes.

The Games also provide an opportunity for local small businesses and organisations to supplement their income.

Church groups, businesses and individuals were seen setting up their stalls selling food and drinks at the opening ceremony yesterday.

One of them is the Nikao branch of the Apostolic Church group.

Sixty-one-year-old member of the church and group, Rose Emile, was with fellow members selling ikamata (raw fish) with maniota (cassava) and a few other goodies for children.

She explains that it’s events like these that gives them the opportunity to fundraise for rainy days while also supporting the children of Cook Islands participating in the event.

“We’re just fundraising for our little home group in our village of Nikao just to have money there ready for rainy days … there’s an opportunity with the Cook Islands Games that’s happening now so why not,” Emile said

“We just come out and support and sell because once it’s finished, that’s it and we’ll just have to wait for the next event. “

This is the second Cook Islands Games they have participated in as vendors and are looking forward to future events.

“We don’t believe in doing raffles and we like to do our own fundraising this way.”

There are currently about 30 members in the Nikao branch made from several families around Rarotonga.

Emile and other members of their group were joined by Bishop Tutai Pere, the bishop of the Light of the World Apostolic Oneness Church in the Cook Islands, at the National Stadium last night.