Athletes head to Youth Olympics

Swimmers, sailors and a handball team make up Team Cook Islands that will represent the country at the Youth Olympic Games in Singapore between August 14 and 16.

Chef de mission for the team, George Hosking, announced the names of the 25 member Team Cook Islands made up of 18 athletes and seven officials who will fly the country’s flag in Singapore.

Team Cook Islands to Singapore are: swimming siblings Celeste and Aaron Brown, accompanied by Aquatic Cook Islands president Romani Katoa, handball team

Aurand Tou, Cruz Robati, Gerald Piho, Mana Ngaau, Munokoa Elikana, Neilsen Tera, Peter Kermode, Peter Tuaratini, Reed Cowan, Tangimetua Tangimetua, Tapi Mataora, Te Koyo Tai Nimeti, Terence Munro, Volunteer Tokorangi and team officials Shawn Rowan Numa-Fatialofa and Makiroa Mitchell-John, sailors Aquila Tatira, Teau McKenzie and officials Anne Tierney and Grand Poiri.

Hosking will be assisted by administration officer Siniva Marsters.

Swimmers Celeste and Aaron Brown are back living in Australia and have been competing in as many swim meets as they can, including swimming championships in New Caledonia and Samoa earlier this year to prepare for the Youth Olympics.

The handball team has been making the most of the Telecom Sports Arena, where they have been training for some time to get into tip-top form for the games.

Meanwhile, sailors Teau McKenzie and Aquila Tatira have for the past week been training in Singapore ahead of the games to familiarise themselves with the sailing course and to polish up their skills.

The sailors will return home before departing with the team for the games.