Canoeists told to tough out rough waters

Cook Islands canoeists have been told to stay confident while moving through the financial white-water caused by CISNOCs financial troubles in the weeks ahead of the Pacific Games.

A team of 30 people will make up Team Cook Islands canoeing squad, with 27 men and women set to compete in the 2011 New Caledonia Pacific Games under the guidance of two coaches and a manager.

Cook Islands Canoeing Association president Janet Maki said she was not shocked to read about the Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committees financial misery in Cook Islands News yesterday and told the canoeing contingent to keep their focus set on Noumea.

Weve been aware of the situation for some weeks, so the news wasnt a surprise to us, Maki said yesterday.

Ive just been trying to keep confident and stay positive, and thats what Ive told the team as well.

Maki said the government guarantee would be a positive thing for Team Cook Islands.