The six weeks Rising Stars Championship has concluded marking the end of another successful year, says tournament director Jackie Rongo.

Rongo said the championship, which has been running for eight years now, continues to be a platform for learning and growth.

“It is bittersweet to witness the growth of our young participants as they progress from the primary section to the secondary section and eventually outgrow the championship altogether.” 

She said this year's championship introduced volleyball as a new sport for secondary students.

Rising Stars Netball 13U winners Apii Avarua –Red. RISING STARS / 23062710

Rongo said although it began on a smaller scale with only four teams, they are confident that this sport will continue to expand in the coming years.

“We are immensely grateful for the people and organisers who supported us in bringing this vision to fruition. It is through the dedication of like-minded individuals with a shared passion for the sport that we can build its foundation and ensure its future growth.

School sports chairperson Delaney Yaqona said the Competition has allowed Rarotonga schools across both the Primary and Secondary sector to compete in Netball, Rippa Rugby and 7's Rugby.

Yaqona said the tournament has grown with the Girls Rippa Rugby being introduced for the Primary division as well as volleyball for the secondary division.

“Later in the year, several schools will engage in a primary schools volleyball competition. This growth is a testament to the vision and dedication of the Rising Stars committee as well as the commitment of all schools involved.

“I would like to express my gratitude to all principals who have been 'courageous' in allowing their schools to participate in the Rising Stars competition. Your dedication towards providing our students with sporting opportunities is commendable,” he added.

Rising Stars Nukutere College 15U 1st place winners. RISING STARS / 23062712

Cook Islands Rugby Union development manager Ben Koteka said lots of fast and furious Rugby [Rippa and 7s] was played at the Arorangi Field for both Boys and Girls, a culmination of six weeks of exciting Rising Stars – Rugby Championships for 2023.

“Thank you to the hard-working Rising Stars committee, led by Jackie and Teina Rongo, to the Arorangi Sports Federation for your awesome facilities, to all our sponsors and all our schools and colleges for your on-going support for another wonderful Rising Stars year - that continues to unify and inspire our community. Please take care, be kind and look after each other, Meitaki Ma’ata and God bless always,” Koteka added.

Primary schools Future Stars 11U winner St Joseph’s. RISING STARS / 23062710

The Rising Stars Executive Committee have acknolwedged platinum sponsors Vodafone and Bank of the Cook Islands who continue to support the vision! Gold sponsors are Te Marae Ora, the Cook Islands Rugby Union with the PSP Programme, Rongohiva, and Kōrero o te ‘Ōrau. Parau Pearl sponsors are Captain Tamas, Rongokura Productions, Peramedia, Cook Islands Television, Cook Islands Tourism, Creators Hype, Moana Sands, Charlize Tuara Photography, Akau Film, and Cook Islands Printing Services. Pipi Pearl sponsors are KiteSUP, Kuki Tag Adventures, Rehab Rarotonga Bus, Palm Grove, Island Craft, The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa, and Ariki Adventures. Superstar sponsors are CITC, Ministry of Cultural Development, Cook Islands Sports, Arorangi Sports Federation, The Edgewater Resort & Spa, Vans, and RaroXpo.

Results:

Volleyball

Boys: 1^st – AKTT Black, 2^nd- AKTT Gold, 3^rd- Awukele, 4^th- Nukutere

Girls: 1^st- AKTT Ladies, Nukutere College, Ye Kalokalo Koe, 4^th Ye Wolea

Rippa Rugby top 3 placings:

U11 Girls: 1^st – Nikao, 2^nd Takitumu, 3^rd- St Josephs

U11 Boys: 1^st- Takitumu, 2^nd- Nikao Green, 3^rd- Avarua Blue

U13 Girls: 1^st- Te Uki Ou, 2^nd- Nikao, 3^rd- Paparoa

U13 Boys: 1^st Nukutere, 2^nd – Avarua Red, 3^rd- Papaaroa

Rugby 7s:

U14 Boys: 1^st- Tereora College, 2^nd –Takitumu Combined, 3^rd- Nukutere College

U16 Boys: 1^st- Tereora College, 2^nd- Nukutere College

2023 most inspiring team – U11 Girls- Rutaki Primary, U11 Boys: Imanuela Akatemia

Netball

Rising Stars College: 15U: 1^st – Nukutere, 2^nd Tereora Poe Tiare, 3^rd Tereora College- Poe Parau

13U:  1^st Tereora – Tiare Maori, 2^nd Nukutere, 3^rd Tereora – Tiare Taina

Primary schools Future Stars 11U: 1^st St Josephs, 2^nd Apii Nikao All White, 3rd Apii Avarua- Blue

13U: 1^st Apii Avarua- Red, 2^nd Nukutere, 3^rd Apii Nikao All Green.