The Aitutaki Liftoff, a functional fitness festival promises to be an event of international standards this year.

Hosted in Aitutaki for the third year, the community initiative was established in 2021 to promote health and fitness among the Aitutaki community and has grown attracting almost 100 competitors this year, half of which include international competitors from Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.

In 2021 the event featured nine local teams, this year over 20 registered teams are expected.

Founder, Dani Adendorff, who runs the local FuncFit Araura gym said, the increase in the number of teams is a positive indication of the growth of the event with every passing year.

She said the most exciting addition year is the introduction of two new categories - the new Youth and Beginner category making the event far more accessible to a larger audience, for people of all fitness levels.

The three day event kicks off on Thursday August 31 with the Individual Weightlifting Competition.

The Weightlifting Competition is the only Olympic Lifting event hosted in the Pa Enua, and this year will feature over 30 international and local lifters from Australia, New Zealand, Rarotonga and Aitutaki.

Adendorff said the objective of the competition is to give Aitutaki locals an opportunity to showcase their lifting skills and develop the sport of weightlifting on Aitutaki.

“There is so much talent here, especially amongst our teens, so this event is their time to shine and to see how they measure up against other lifters from overseas.

“Time on the platform is imperative to their development as athletes and to improve their confidence when it comes to competition.”

The second headline event for the weekend kicks off on Friday September 1, marking the first day of the four person Team Challenge.

“We have added an extra day of competition to the Team Challenge, which is another opportunity for us to explore different locations on the island.”

Athletes will take on the mighty Maunga Pu Ruck Run on Friday, day two will take participants to the beautiful Ootu peninsula where they will be face land and water based events, including an Oe Vaka paddle sprint race, a team log and swimming event and various other functional fitness challenges which will test their strength, stamina and most of all, their team work.

Competitors will get to celebrate their achievements at prize giving on Saturday evening at the Blue Lagoon restaurant with an Island Night show and buffet.

Adendorff said the whole idea behind this event is to create something for the community, for everyone, no matter where you are at in your fitness journey.

She said the big focus is on the Beginners category as this is what sets this year's event apart from previous years.

“Many people have come to think of the Liftoff as an event "just for the fit people", but that is what I am trying to change this year,” she said.

“Our beginner category is suitable for anyone with a very basic level of fitness - the perfect opportunity for corporates to enter a team for team building, or for our uncles and aunties to get out and have some fun together.”

She said that with a booming fitness culture in Rarotonga, they are hoping to see more teams coming through."

She is excited to see teenagers get involved this year and she has secured sponsorship for all the Youth teams so they can participate at no cost.

 “Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) is a big issue for our nation and it's critical that we instil healthy habits amongst our youth if we hope to see changes in our future generations.”

She thanked individuals and businesses that have sponsored the Youth teams.

Profits that are generated from the event are put straight into FuncFit Araura, the only gym on the island, to buy much needed equipment to enable it to continue to service the community which include the Weightlifting development program and daily functional fitness classes, she said.

Air Rarotonga have been instrumental in assisting the competitors to Aitutaki by offering discounted return airfares, and local accommodation providers in Aitutaki have also jumped onboard to offer discounted rates.

“I am so grateful for the ongoing support from our major sponsor, Cook Islands Tourism, who have been there since our first year of the event. They see the value in this event - the benefit it has for local businesses in Aitutaki as well as the focus it has on health and wellness,” said Adendorff.

She also thanked local sponsors for contributing to prizes and team sponsorships, including Prime Foods, Koka Lagoon Cruise, Manini, Aitutaki Handmade, Ariki Experiences, Stonefish, Rino’s, Paradise Cove, Vodafone, Pacific Resort, Koru Cafe and Vonnia’s.

She said they were also excited to have a few international sponsors including True Protein, RX Smart Gear and Virus clothing, ensuring that this year's event is of an international standard with top notch prizes and support from both local and international businesses and brands.

Registration closes August 1. To register visit www.aitutakiliftoff.com and for more information, contact Dani at aitutakiliftoff@gmail.com