The Cook Islands Weightlifting Federation (CIWF) is pleased to be supporting two of our national lifters competing in the upcoming 2022 New Zealand International event.

Jerome Tura will be lifting in the men’s under 81kg weight class and Manine Lynch will be competing in the women’s 87kg plus. The pair will be representing the Cook Islands and departing our shores today.

This summer event will be the first international competition to be held in New Zealand since the 2017 World Masters Games, and serves as one of the final recognised events for athletes seeking to qualify for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

In a statement, Cook Islands Weightlifting Federation said: “We are looking forward to an exciting event.”

Team Cook Islands delegation is led by Dr Teariki Puni (President) of CIWF, Luisa Peters (Vice President of CIWF and national coach), and Martin Stetka (executive member of the CIWF and Manager).

“Therefore, please be advised weightlifting sessions will be on a break this week and resumes next week,” the statement said.

“We will post the link to the virtual event. Meitaki maata to all our family and community for supporting our lifters. All the best team.”