Cook Islands News is proud to launch its special “Go for Gold, Cook Islands!” campaign to support our teams and athletes competing at the 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara, Solomon Islands, from November 19 to December 2.

Dubbed the region’s premier sporting event, this year’s Games are sure to be a spectacle. With over 5000 athletes and officials from 24 nations competing across 24 sports, there is something for everyone to get excited about.

Cook Islands has a proud history of success at the Pacific Games. In 2019, we won 18 medals, including 5 gold, 5 silver, and 8 bronze medals. This year, Team Cook Islands is aiming to even better that performance, with a target of 25 medals.

But they can’t do it alone. They need the support of all Cook Islanders.

“That’s why we are launching our ‘Go for Gold, Cook Islands!’ campaign,” said Rashneel Kumar, editor of Cook Islands News. “This campaign is an opportunity for all Cook Islanders to come together and cheer on our athletes as they strive to achieve their goals and bring home medals for our country. We want to show our athletes that we are behind them, every step of the way.”

The “Go for Gold, Cook Islands!” campaign will highlight our teams and athletes through a variety of stories, videos, and social media content.

Cook Islands News will also bring exclusive interviews, videos, and pictures from the Pacific Games from our online editor Losirene Lacanivalu, who will be attending the event courtesy of ABC Australia.

Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee (CISNOC) secretary general Owen Lewis said: “I would like to extend a heartfelt call to the public for your support as we embark on our journey to the Pacific Games. Supporting Team Cook Islands is not just an option; it’s an essential part of our collective identity.”

“We’ve always been fortunate to have the unwavering support of our people, and we’re confident that this time will be no different. We are a proud sporting nation, and we’ll be proud of all our teams and athletes as we look to celebrating their performances.

“To our athletes, as you compete near and far, give your best and be proud ambassadors of our country. Perform to the best of your ability, and we cannot ask for more. Let’s unite as a nation, support our athletes, and make the Cook Islands proud.

“Together, we can conquer the Pacific!”