New CISNOC President

Badminton Cook Islands president Hugh Graham (above) has won the vote to become the new president of the beleaguered Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee.

Needing a majority vote of 51 percent of the 40 voting delegates, Graham won the vote ahead of finance and sports minister Mark Brown and Paul Allsworth.

His election to the top office meant cycling representative David Lobb, who had earlier withdrawn his presidency nomination, and Tennis Cook Islands president Damien Beddoes were elected unopposed as vice-presidents.

Questions around Brown’s conflicts of interest given his dual role as finance and sports minister were avoided by Graham’s election as the majority of the 72 in attendance gave the former Manukau City Council member a round of applause.

Graham acknowledged those who voted for him and vowed to make a difference in the sports body.

”To the board I look forward to working with you and I hope we can make a difference moving forward.“