Lawn Bowls (pōrotaka), the first sport in the 2024 Cook Islands Games, will be rolling across the green this afternoon by 110 bowlers at the Rarotonga Bowling Club from 5pm.

On Saturday, bowlers and distinguished guests attended the Lawn Bowls Cook Islands Games opening ceremony where Romani Katoa, acting President for the Cook Islands Sports and National Olympics Committee CISNOC) recognised the “invaluable efforts” of the government and leaders within the islands sports organisations.

“Through your leadership and commitment have helped to make this event a reality and your ongoing support from the days of Covid-19 to ensure that we continue to celebrate our culture and identity through sport to this day,” said Katoa.

“It’s a celebration of our country through sport, one that not only stirs passion within each of us, but also strengthens our culture, values, encourages healthy lifestyles and fosters deep connections across ta tatou Ipukarea.”

He said in these Games strong bonds are forged from mokopuna through to the older generation.

Since the inaugural Cook Islands Games in 2020, the event has brought together 11 island federations with more than 3000 athletes and officials competing across 25 sports codes.

Katoa said he understood that there have been many bidding wars between the many islands about blood ties and to prove ones connection to their matakainana.

“This is positive especially to our families and friends who have been far away from home for so long and they recognise that the Cook Islands Games is a way for them to come back home and to reconnect to their matakainana e to ratou kainga,” he said.

Katoa said: “Let the spirit of these Games carry us through celebrating our strengths, unity and the pride we share in being part of our beautiful Cook Islands.

“Akamakeke tu, kia mou, kia toa. Atawai wolo ye maneke,” said Katoa.

Today, October 1.

Ladies Singles: Pukapuka vs Manihiki, Mitiaro vs Rakahanga, Aitutaki vs Penrhyn, Rarotonga vs Mauke, Palmerston vs Mangaia, Atiu – Bye.

Ladies Fours: Penrhyn vs Mauke, Palmerston vs Mitiaro, Rakahanga vs Atiu, Manihiki vs Pukapuka, Mangaia vs Aitutaki, Rarotonga – Bye.

Men’s Pairs: Penrhyn vs Manihiki, Pukapuka vs Mitiaro, Palmerston vs Mangaia, Aitutaki vs Rakahanga, Rarotonga vs Atiu, Mauke – Bye.

Men’s Triples: Mauke vs Penrhyn, Mitiaro vs Manihiki, Rarotonga vs Atiu, Pukapuka vs Rakahanga, Palmerston vs Aitutaki, Mangaia – Bye.

Wednesday, October 2.

Ladies Singles: Pukapuka vs Rakahanga, Mitiaro vs Aitutaki, Manihiki vs Penrhyn, Rarotonga vs Palmerston, Mauke vs Atiu, Mangaia – Bye.

Ladies Fours: Penrhyn vs Mitiaro, Mauke vs Atiu, Palmerston vs Rakahanga, Manihiki vs Mangaia, Pukapuka vs Rarotonga, Aitutaki – Bye.

Men’s Pairs: Penrhyn vs Mitiaro, Manihiki vs Mangaia, Pukapuka vs Palmerston, Aitutaki vs Rarotonga, Rakahanga vs Mauke, Atiu – Bye.

Men’s Triples: Mauke vs Manihiki, Penrhyn vs Atiu, Mitiaro vs Rarotonga, Pukapuka vs Palmerston, Rakahanga vs Mangaia, Aitutaki – Bye.