Let the Cook Islands Games begin!

The National Stadium came alive with cheer, colour and culture for the opening ceremony of the Cook Islands Games 2022 last night.

Each island team marched into the stadium dressed in their smart, bright and bold coloured uniforms, and were welcomed by a cheering audience who filled up the grandstand.

President of the Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee (CISNOC), Hugh Graham delivered the welcome address, followed by speeches from the Minister of Sports Vaine (Mac) Mokoroa, and the acting Prime Minister Robert Tapaitau. The speeches were followed by the lighting of the cauldron and cultural entertainment.

Sports events to be held today – Traditional Games at the Constitution Park in town at 8am, Athletics at the National Stadium from 9am-7.45pm, Aquatics will now be held at Vaiana’s, Panama 9.30am - 2pm, Handball at Nikao 8am - 6.30pm, Lawn Bowls at the Rarotonga Bowling Club in Tutakimoa 2pm - 7.30pm, Oe Vaka sprint races at Muri beach, Ngatangiia.