A group of young athletes from the Cook Islands is gearing up to represent the nation at the New Zealand Secondary School Athletics Championships (NZSSAC) in December 2024.

The team includes eight students from both Rarotonga and Aitutaki, all eager to showcase their skills on an international stage.

Among the athletes are Thomas Makimare and Metumaru Arere from Aitutaki, who will both be competing in the 100m and 200m sprints.

Retire Daniel, also from Aitutaki, will participate in the javelin and discus events, while Esther David from Aitutaki returns for her second NZSSAC, competing in javelin.

From Rarotonga, Antonia Wearing, Emii Akava, and Emma Papali’i will compete in shotput and discus, with this being Emma’s third appearance at the championship. Gabrielle Tolosa from Rarotonga will compete in the 400m and 200m sprints.

For most of these athletes, this will be their first time competing in the championship, making it an exciting opportunity for growth and experience. However, Emma Papali’i, with two previous participations, and Esther David, with one, bring valuable experience to the team.

Simone Fe'ao, President of Athletics Cook Islands (ACI), expressed the team’s deep gratitude to the sponsors and those who participated in fundraising efforts.

"ACI is very grateful to BSP and all the supporters of the Round Raro Race, which was the only fundraiser over the years that has allowed our students to travel to NZ and compete," she shared.

This year, the team received a generous donation of 18,000 NZD from BSP, which will cover the athletes’ expenses for the competition.

The athletes are currently focused on improving their personal best times and distances from the recent 2024 Cook Islands Games. With Marie William selected as the team coach, their goal is to gain valuable international exposure, compete at a higher level, and work towards securing medals. 

Fe'ao emphasised the importance of this opportunity, adding, "Certainly the aim is to provide exposure and higher competition while also doing their best to secure medals."

The Cook Islands community is backing the team, and the athletes are determined to give their best efforts in New Zealand this December.