A lawn bowls team for the 2024 Cook Islands Games. Photo: Facebook / Cook Islands Bowls
An athlete competing in the 2024 Cook Islands Games (CIG) says while the event is highly competitive, it brings the community together.
Over 3000 athletes, representing 11 islands, will be participating in the third edition of the two-week multi-sport event, which kick off in Rarotonga this weekend.
Over 3000 athletes prepare for the Cook Islands Games
Nicolea Mateariki of team Mauke (Mah-oo-keh) says she looks forward to reconnecting with family and friends travelling from the outer islands to compete.
"Due to our busy everyday lives with our jobs, just being part of the games also helps us reunite once again," she said.
"It also helps getting to know who else is from your island and who else may be from your same family or bloodline and showing each other's friendly side and also competitive side when we are on the field."
Athletes will be competing in sports such as athletics, rugby, netball, beach soccer, handball, darts.
The organiser say there is something for everyone as the CIG "is not just about sports; it's a celebration of our culture and unity".
An experienced lawn bowls player said the range of ages amongst athletes makes for great competition.
Representing Palmerston Island in the lawn bowls triples, William Powell, 72, said playing alongside much younger players keeps him on edge.
With juniors as young as 11-years-old, and golden oldies in their 80s, Powell said, while the older ones are supportive of the newer players, it makes for great competition in the mixed divisions.
"For our games, I always joke that I am the youngest one and I am 72.
"It is very good to have all different aged people, because a lot of the young ones try to beat the old ones, and the old ones do not want the young ones to beat them at all. Its good competition."
The Mauke island team were the overall winners of the first edition of the Cook Islands games in 2020.
The CIG will be held from 4-19 October.