This week Team Cook Islands Olympians and officials have been saying ‘meitaki maata’ to their supporters and in particular the team’s sponsors.

Since returning home from the London Olympics, the young athletes have been showing their gratitude to the many people and groups that have stuck by them and supported them throughout their campaign.

Chef de mission George George says the team has held special events to thank groups including the Religious Advisory Council and Ui Ariki for their prayers, blessings and most importantly their words of encouragement during some rough periods when athletes were being criticised and questioned over their Cook Islands lineage and selection into the team.

Yesterday, George and the team made special visits to Turtles Tee’s owner Chris McKinley and Tourism Cook Islands to thank them for their uniforms.

”We want to show our gratitude by personally thanking Turtles and Tourism Cook Islands for adorning us with the best uniforms and gear at the London Games,“ says George.

Training, casual and travel wear for the team was sponsored by Turtles and the team’s official TAV wear for the opening and closing ceremony of the Olympics was sponsored by Tourism Cook Islands.

George says that he was amazed that regional teams in London all recognised the Turtles brand.

”The 2009 Pacific Mini Games here on Rarotonga has gone a long way to establishing Turtles as a strong brand in the region,“ says George.

”This was the gear we wore every day in London and people were always commenting on the brand and how well dressed we were.“

In fact, the Cook Islands were named as one of the top five best dressed teams at the London Games by commentators and international media for their bright TAV outfits topped off with ei katu and rito hats.

Olympic weightlifter Luisa Peters, who has been part of Team Cook Islands at Pacific and Commonwealth Games, says the team’s Olympic uniform was definitely the best.

It’s traditional at events such as the Olympics for athletes to swap gear and Peters says that the Cook Islands gear was widely sought after by international athletes.

”Heaps of people wanted to swap shirts with us but they were so cool we didn’t want to give them away,“ adds Peters.

Turtles owner Chris McKinley says the company is proud to be part of Team Cook Islands.

”This is our fourth Olympic team we’ve dressed and this time we had the chance to do what we wanted for the uniforms and be a bit more creative,“ says McKinley.

He says there was nothing more special than seeing 100m sprinter Patricia Taea step out on to the running track with her green Turtles branded gear.

”It was great seeing Patricia step on the start line with our gear on – it’s certainly great for the brand.“

McKinley was also full of praise for the athletes who he believes all performed well on the international sport stage.

”Now we look forward to the Rio Olympics and of course rugby will be there, too,“ adds McKinley, who is also the Cook Islands Rugby Union president.

Team Cook Islands once again extend their meitaki maata to all who supported them during the London campaign.