Despite the results, the Matariki Volleyball Cup 2024 campaign was a great success for Team Cook Islands.

The level of intensity was significantly higher at this year’s competition, with both teams from Tahiti emerging victorious in the final results, according to Nicolea Mateariki, the Cook Islands Volleyball cultural liaison.

The competition, held from December 9 to 14 in Tahiti, featured Team Cook Islands, Aotearoa Māori Poirewa and Volleyball Tahiti competing for top honours.

This tournament has been hosted by the Cook Islands Volleyball Federation (CIVF) for the past two years in Rarotonga. Hawai’i may potentially join next year and possibly host the tournament, but this is yet to be confirmed.

Cook Islands women’s coach Liam Clegg said the coaches have been incredibly impressed with all the players.

“Given that we have such a young squad competing against the best in Tahiti, the potential for future competitions is exciting. I couldn’t be prouder of each player who represented their country with pride,” Clegg said.

“While we have a long way to go before our next tournament, I am confident these athletes will continue to push themselves and be inspired by their experience at the Matariki Cup.”

Team manager Tiare Karaponga said she wanted to emphasise how proud she was of this group of athletes.

“While we may not have achieved the results we aimed for in volleyball, this was undoubtedly a valuable learning experience. We have a young team, but their determination and heart, both on and off the court, were evident every step of the way,” Karaponga said.

“They showed great flexibility and adaptability in the face of challenges, which speaks volumes about their character. Most importantly, we came here and represented our nation with pride and respect, both on and off the court. This is just the beginning for this team, and I’m confident we’ll continue to grow stronger together.”

Mateariki said that, as the cultural liaison for the team, it was her duty to ensure that the cultural aspects of the Cook Islands people were uplifted along with the team’s journey.

“Representing the country also means to represent our people and we have done that through the many aspects of our culture, through dancing, singing, prayer services, especially through our Kia Orana values, etc.”

The national side made a remarkable debut at the opening ceremony, with talented athletes shining as cultural ambassadors through their beautiful and proud performance.

“I am very proud of us all, especially taking a group of just over 20 young adults. This has definitely opened the eyes of our younger youths to understand that there are many amazing opportunities back at home, and all it takes is a person with passion and having the will to explore new things whilst staying connected to their roots,” Mateariki said.

“In Tahiti, our culture was a highlight for many and a way of bringing people together, this was seen through morning and evening devotions, songs and just the kind presence from the team.”

Following the completion of the tournament, the national teams had the opportunity to explore Coral Gardeners and snorkel with stingrays and sharks on the beautiful island of Mo’orea.

“Special shout out to our major sponsors Korēro O te Orau who have provided this amazing opportunity for our athletes, exploring the importance of our marine life and a bit of what Korēro O te Orau is all about,” Mateariki said.

“This is an ideal example of cultural exchange that can be encouraged within other sports teams travelling and representing our little paradise. We can balance both the main purpose of the trip and cultural exchange to create an unforgettable experience.”

Mateariki added that she hopes what she has taught the team in terms of appreciating our culture will travel with them a long way. She wants the athletes to understand “that sports and culture are two in two, when they are balanced equally your results are much better than what you expect”.

“I understand that many individuals at home may be expecting ‘sunshine and rainbows’ from our results, but it doesn’t always work like that. One day we will get there.

“Let us trust the process and support each other, Tahiti has definitely lifted the standard of volleyball for our youth, so I am grateful for their outcome and how hard they have tried to do their best. Not everyone who goes to war comes back with a smiling face, some fight the battle and have not succeeded, but that doesn’t mean it ends there.

“Meitaki ma’ata to everyone that have supported our team and continued to join our live on Cook Islands Volleyball Federation Facebook page, we feel all your love from home and appreciate all of it.”