Secondary schools event squad named

Four teenagers have been named to represent the country at the New Zealand Secondary Schools Athletics Championships in Wellington on December 10 and 11.

The team was selected after months of trials and training at the BCI Stadium to represent the country at the athletics meet an event Athletics Cook Islands has attended since the early 80s.

Named in the squad to compete in the event that attracts over 1000 Kiwi athletes are Mangaia College student Junior George who will compete in the 400m and 800m race, and Tereora College sportswoman of the year and national sprinter Patricia Taea who will compete in the 100m sprints and javelin throw.

Jolyn Iro will compete in the discus and shot put events while young Teiti Tupuna, all round star athlete from Tupapa, will compete in the 100m sprints and long jump events.

The team will be accompanied to New Zealand by team manager and Athletics Cook Islands manager Ina Marsters and assistant team managers Inangaro Love Tupuna and Lisa Iro.

The team will depart for New Zealand on December 6 and return home on December 13.

The team would like to thank sponsors Westpac Bank, Trader Jacks, Islands Hopper Vacations, Air Rarotonga, Island Car and Bike Hire and the Round Rarotonga Road Race athletes whose entry fees helped to fund the teams trip.