The organisers of Aitutaki Liftoff have announced the second edition of the annual competition, with the aim of becoming one of the biggest local and international fitness events in the pacific.

The event, which is now in its second year of running, will feature two events over two exciting days.

The individual weightlifting event will be held on Friday, August 26, followed by a four-person team challenge event on Saturday, August 27.

Founder of Funcfit Araura and event organiser, Dani Adendorff said: “The goal of the team event is to get our local community involved, active, and moving in a fun, competitive environment.

“Our aim is to make this one of the biggest local and international fitness events on the annual calendar.

“(Also) the main goal of the weightlifting event is to promote the sport of lifting in the Pa Enua, and to offer our local talent and international athletes an opportunity to showcase their skills in a competitive, Olympic-standard competition.

“We hope to have a number of international lifters take part which shall lift the calibre of the event as a whole.”

According to Adendorff, the weightlifting event, which is the first of its kind in the Outer Islands and sponsored by the Cook Islands Weightlifting Federation will kick off on Friday evening (August 26) at the Aitutaki Fishing Club.

The team challenges will take place on Saturday (August 27) with all teams taking to the water, the mountains, and then the beaches, allowing participants to test their fitness in and amongst the island’s natural beauty.

“The competition is open to any athletes keen to get involved, no matter their experience,” said Adendorff.

“Again, there is a heavy emphasis on ‘inclusivity’ for both our Liftoff events and we hope to offer people an opportunity to get involved, have some fun and enjoy being active in a competitive environment.

“(Also) we are working on some exciting new events for the team challenge, chucking in some bicycles, some water, and maybe even a Vaka,” she adds.

“There will also be a new youth category so our youngsters can get amongst it.”

For more information or to register for the event, visit www.funcfitaraura.com.

Advance registration is required in order to participate.