Over 650 athletes competed in the two-day CITC (Cook Islands Trading Corporation) Prince of Wales Primary Schools Athletics Championship, which ended yesterday at the National Stadium in Nikao.

Apii Avarua retained the Prince of Wales Primary Schools Athletics trophy for 13^th consecutive year after winning the 2023 edition yesterday.

Former pre-school boys champion, Teruan Napa from Apii Avarua, continued his sporting prowess after claiming the Junior Boys title.

Napa said: “I’m happy to win and I enjoy sports.”

Keeping sports a family affair, first cousins Curly Beniamina and Numa Halston both won the individual Intermediate Champions trophies.

The recipients of the 2023 CITC Prince of Wales Primary Schools Athletics awards were:

First Placed School Overall - Apii Avarua, trophy presented Acting Prime Minister, Minister Vainetutai Rose Toki-Brown; 2^nd Placed School Overall - Apii St Joseph’s/Nukutere College, trophy presented by Secretary of Education Danielle Cochrane, 3^rd Placed School Overall - Apii Nikao, trophy presented by the President of the Cook Islands Athletics, Simone Fe’ao.

Pre-school category - trophies sponsored by Anchor, presented by CITC’s Utavaru Araitia: Pre-school Girls Champion Margaret Taripo - Apii Avarua, Pre-school Boys Champion - a tie between Callen Armani Gempton of Apii Takitumu and Soatini Willie of Apii Avarua, Pre-School Champions Overall - Apii Avarua.

Junior Girls Champion Tilia Tangapiri of Apii Avarua, Junior Boys Champion Teruan Napa - Apii Avarua.

Intermediate Girls Champion Curly Beniamina - St Joseph’s, Intermediate Boys Champion Numa Halston - Apii Avarua, Intermediate School Champions Overall - Apii Avarua.

Senior Girls Champion Nan Raikatalau - Apii Avarua, Senior Boys Champion David Emmanuela -Apii Avarua, the trophies were presented by CITC General Manager, Gaye Whitta.