Beach netball kicked off the 2025 Cook Islands Beach Games at the National Beach Court in Nikao over the weekend.

Despite the hot and sunny weather on Saturday, the beach netball games proceeded, with only eight teams participating in the one-day tournament.

Other sports codes at this year’s games – beach football, beach touch, basketball and volleyball – will be held this week and next, concluding on January 11.

The Cook Islands Beach Games will be held over two weeks, meaning that the area around the Nikao Beach Courts will likely be crowded on most days during the games.

Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee’s Brianna Lewis says she’s excited to see what the other sports codes have got up their sleeve, and wishes everyone all the best as they participate in the “fun week of Beach Games for the year”.

“Each year it just keeps getting better and hotter but the vibes from the players is what makes us as the organisers happy,” Lewis told Cook Islands News.

“We are glad to have such an event prepared for our people and those returning from overseas, keeping our people fit to kickstart every new year.”

The opening day of the games kicked off with some great music by our local DJ, keeping everyone alive throughout the day.

It was a great turnout on Saturday and organisers were pleased to see few of the returning residents here to enjoy the festive season with family and participating at the beach games.

Mauke Mafia led by Kavika Nicholas and Team Beach Bums were two outstanding teams throughout the day. The two groups also stood out due to their distinctive uniforms, making them highly visible to passersby.

With just over 100 athletes and supporters present at the beach courts on Saturday, the games were a success and ended with smiling faces as athletes and supporters left the courts that evening.

The organisers are now looking forward to this week’s games and hope that our community continue to bring good vibes and respect this week.

The beach football competition will commence today and continue until Wednesday. Beach handball will then follow from Thursday to Saturday. Next Monday, beach touch and 3x3 basketball will begin, with beach volleyball starting on Thursday.

Mama Jojo’s famous steak and mushroom food stall is available to ensure athletes and supporters can easily purchase food during their short breaks.

-Nicolea Mateariki