The Rising Stars Primary School Volleyball Tournament is set for November 8, 2024, and is expected to be a thrilling day for young athletes across Rarotonga.

The tournament brings together students from Year 5 to Year 8, allowing them to compete, showcase their volleyball skills, and enjoy the sport’s team spirit.

Apii Nikao enters the tournament as the defending champions in the senior boys’ and girls’ divisions.

This year, Apii Nikao has assembled a variety of teams, each distinguished by colour—Green, White, Grey, Purple, and Black—reflecting the school’s strong participation and commitment to volleyball.

Ua Savage, Apii Nikao’s volleyball coach said the students are interested in volleyball.

“Our main goal is for all our students to participate and engage in this exciting sport. At this rate, participation and fun are our main goals; winning would just be a bonus.”

Other schools competing include Nukutere College, Imanuela Akatemia, Arorangi, Rutaki, and Te Uki Ou, adding a wide range of talent and energy to the tournament.

Jackie Rongo, Rising Stars Tournament Director and Cook Islands Volleyball tournament coordinator, emphasises the importance of this event in supporting the community’s youth.

“The Rising Stars Championship has been a platform supporting our tamariki in keeping active with a healthy lifestyle,” Rongo explained. “It also builds camaraderie and all the core character values that sports offer—discipline, respect, teamwork, communication, and all those good things.” As a volleyball development coordinator, Rongo has been instrumental in promoting volleyball as a sport of choice for Cook Islands youth. Reflecting on her passion for sports, which started with netball and extended to representing her university and Hawaiian community, Rongo believes that volleyball can play a significant role in youth engagement.