Team Cook Islands flagbearers Julieanne Westrupp and Stephen Willis led the Rarotonga-based athletes and officials in a special parade through Avarua town on Saturday.

Cook Islands will be represented by 230 athletes and officials at the 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara, Solomon Islands from November 19 to December 2.

During the unveiling of Team Cook Islands uniform on Friday night, Westrupp congratulated all the athletes who have been selected to represent the country in various sports.

Team Cook Islands will compete in Athletics, Boxing, Swimming, Weightlifting, Basketball, Volleyball, Football, Golf, Netball, Oe Vaka, Rugby, Rugby League, Tennis, and Touch Rugby at the 2023 Games.

Westrupp, who will be leading the Touch team, said a lot of hard work and fundraising have been done and thanked all their families for their support. She also thanked government for their financial support.

“We play with heart,” she said.