Closer ties part of bailout plan

A financial crisis of the Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee (CISNOC) is relying on a government bailout.

CISNOC needs a government loan of more than $200,000 for Team Cook Islands to compete in the 2011 Pacific Games being held in Noumea from the end of this month.

The loan is being considered by cabinet this morning.

In a letter to all national sport federations, signed by CISNOC secretary general Rosie Blake, increased involvement by government in CISNOC is highlighted.

Executive board members resolved to approve such development, at a meeting on Friday, and are seeking and relying on ratification by federations.

CISNOC plans to professionalise its secretary general position and restructure the National Olympic Committee, as well as implement sport development in partnerships with the sport ministry, a national sports policy act of parliament, a new sports venue entity with management by the sport ministry, and the establishment of an institute of sports excellence.

Governments loan to CISNOC, if approved, will strengthen the relationship between both, Blake says.

This latest cash support agreement embraces this joint commitment of government and CISNOC to the restructure, commencing with negotiations this month with the Ministry of Internal Affairs (youth and sport division) to implement our sport strategic plan and to complete budget negotiations for the 2012-2013 appropriation by December 31, 2011.

Her letter further states such initiatives will facilitate the development of much needed long term, meaningful partnerships between government and CISNOC, securing the future development of sport in the country and the reputation and status of CISNOC as the national body of sport in the Cook Islands.

A loan condition set by government is to appoint financial secretary Richard Neves and internal affairs secretary Bredina Drollet to the CISNOC executive board.Neves is proposed as a member for as long as the loan is outstanding, and Drollet for two years as well as any subsequent time upon agreement.

Neves has the power of veto while on the board.