Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee (CISNOC) had “enormous difficulties” in 2022 as it looks ahead to the 2023 year on a positive note.

While new board members have been appointed at its recent annual general meeting, president Hugh Graham and secretary general Owen Lewis have expressed concerns in their report to the committee.

“There were some enormous difficulties in coordinating the team, travel and well-being of the team this year.

“Flights, rules, borders and requirements were constantly changing,” the pair said in their report.

Costs were “astronomical” and logistics were extremely difficult without a travel agent on island to assist.

“This resulted in frustration for not only CISNOC staff but also the athletes and national federations.”

Much was out of the committee’s control “and despite this being explained and re-emphasised the CISNOC team did have to endure some disappointing responses”.

In the end, CISNOC was able to send six athletes and two officials to Saipan, and 18 athletes and seven officials to Birmingham.

“Results were mixed but given the preparation time and the issues of Covid, it was expected.”

Cook Islands was fortunate to come home with three medals from the Pacific Mini-Games and a credible fourth placing in an event at the Commonwealth Games among other significant performances.

The Cook Islands Games of 2022 were another success building upon the success of the 2020 version.

“These games unite our country and continue to grow.”

The CISNOC board had been crucial in helping deliver the work and as the current strategic plan enters its final year of delivery, Graham and Lewis expressed their gratitude to those involved in helping build a resilient, engaged organisation “and significantly a more active nation”.

“We are convinced that we have the building blocks and partnerships in place now to allow us to grow even further.”

A board retreat was held in late 2022 and the draft National Sport & Physical Activity Policy was discussed together with a review of the CISNOC Strategic Plan 2019-2023.

“It is envisaged that the final copy of the NSPAP will be delivered to the Minister of Sport in mid- 2023 and the Strategic Plan 2023-2028 will be in place by midway through 2023.

“In summary, in 2022 we are pleased to report that the organisation has continued to deliver and perform to the high standards that the Cook Islands, Oceania and International Olympic communities expect and deserve.”