The 2024 Cook Islands Games concluded last Saturday, wrapping up with several exciting final matches across different sports codes.

Among the standout performances were those in volleyball, netball and rugby sevens, where athletes from various islands gave their all to secure the top spots on the podium.

Rarotonga once again demonstrated its dominance, but other islands like Mitiaro and Aitutaki also made their mark in the final stages of the competition.

In the Volleyball Open Men’s and Women’s divisions, Rarotonga took home both gold medals after strong performances throughout the tournament. The Rarotonga women’s team secured gold, with Pukapuka taking silver and Aitutaki finishing in third place to claim bronze. In the Open Men’s competition, Rarotonga again claimed gold, with Manihiki securing the silver medal and Rakahanga taking bronze.

Netball also saw a thrilling conclusion to the Games, with intense matches that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. In the Under-18 category, Mitiaro clinched the gold medal after a thrilling final against Rarotonga. The match was closely contested, with neither team willing to give up. It was only in the final minute, after an impressive intercept, that Mitiaro’s sharp shooter, Tuaanaore Mitchell, managed to slot a long-range shot to secure the victory. Rarotonga had to settle for silver, while Manihiki took home the bronze medal.

In the Open Women’s netball division, Rarotonga remained undefeated throughout the tournament, securing the gold medal. Aitutaki, having lost only once to Rarotonga, took home the silver medal, while Manihiki finished in third place to claim the bronze.

The most anticipated netball game of the day was the gold medal match in the Mixed division, where Aitutaki faced Rarotonga. Both teams battled hard, with towering shooters on both sides keeping the scoreline close. However, it was Aitutaki’s shooter, Travis Glassie, who proved unstoppable. His ability to pull in high passes and convert them into points gave Aitutaki the edge. Despite Rarotonga’s best efforts, they couldn’t stop Glassie, who led his team to a gold medal victory. Rarotonga took the silver medal, while Pukapuka earned the bronze.

Rugby sevens also provided plenty of excitement, with the finals delivering thrilling matches that entertained the crowds. In the Open Men’s division, Rarotonga once again proved to be a formidable force. Led by coach Clive Nicholas, the Rarotonga team dominated Mitiaro in the final, winning convincingly to claim the gold medal. Mitiaro had to settle for silver, while Rakahanga secured the bronze medal after a solid campaign.

In the Open Women’s division, Mitiaro claimed the gold medal after overpowering Atiu in a hard-fought final. Mitiaro’s strength and speed on the field were too much for Atiu, who finished with silver, while Mauke took home the bronze medal.