QR hosts athletes, officials

Members of Team Cook Islands for the Delhi Commonwealth Games and the Diplomats Golden Oldies rugby team were hosted to lunch by Queen’s Representative Sir Frederick Goodwin and Lady Goodwin yesterday.

While Sir Frederick is well known for hosting his golden oldies brothers – it was the first time that he has hosted Team Cook Islands.

Athletes that weren’t able to make the luncheon were represented by team managers and coaches at the informal luncheon.

Sir Frederick says the gathering was his and Lady Goodwin’s way of saying ‘congratulations’ to the athletes selected to fly the countries colours at the Commonwealth Games in India.

“This is our way of saying we love you all and may you win medals,” Sir Frederick said.

“Your people will be expecting much of you and all we can ask is that you do your best.”

Sir Frederick, who is the patron of the Rarotonga Bowling club, light-heartedly teased his fellow national bowlers by reminding them that there would be strict no drinking and smoking rules.

“So I’m glad I’m not going with you lot to India!” Sir Frederick joked.

He will in fact join his golden oldies rugby brothers and sisters at the Golden Oldies Festival in Sydney in two weeks time.

“Do your best on the field and to fly the country’s colours.”

Team Cook Islands chef de mission George George thanked Sir Frederick and Lady Goodwin for their generosity in hosting both the countries national athletes and the golden oldies team.

The spread was enjoyed by all and made sweeter by the sounds of Papa Jake Numanga.

In the meantime Team Cook Islands athletes are going through their last minute preparations for the games.

Boxers Mathew Titoa and Jubilee Arama are currently in Tahiti sharpening up their jabs while track athletes Tiraa Arere from Aitutaki and Patricia Taea will fly to Cairns this weekend for a final meet before the Delhi Games.

National bowlers are quietly confident and working on game strategies while local based netballers Luciana Matenga and Curly George are improving on their fitness everyday and look forward to joining the rest of the squad in Auckland before travelling to India.

Solo tennis player Brittany Teei has had a great lead up to the games after winning both the singles and doubles title at the recent Auckland amateur opens.

Weightlifters Sirla Pera and Luisa Peters are also expected to set personal best records in Delhi as they’ve been putting in the hard yards over the past months.

Team Cook Islands will next gather this Sunday for a special church service at the Nikao CICC church.