Cook Islands Games conclude with fireworks and record participation

Island flags flew high as fireworks filled the sky, marking the end of the third Cook Islands Games last week.

Dancers and drummers joined the athletes on the field, dancing the night away in celebration.

The games, held every two years, saw a record 4000 athletes and staff involved in the event.

The Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee (CISNOC) said more than 1000 people travelled from New Zealand and Australia to participate.

CISNOC's acting president Romani Katoa was delighted with the athlete numbers.

"The impact that it has socially, culturally, and economically is really positive, and it looks really promising for us as a small country to develop and grow more of our local talent here," Katoa said.

"This is one way of bonding and getting our people to remain in the Cook [Islands] and come back - sports always finds a way to unite everyone."

Over 600 medals were won by athletes over the two weeks of the Cook Islands Games, held from 4-19 October.

Eleven teams participated, representing most of the countries inhabited islands.

From beach handball and volleyball, to rugby, athletics and aquatics; the games highlighted the talents of local athletes across a variety of 25 sporting codes.

A feature sport was the traditional games.

The Ministry of Culture organised traditional stilt races, speed coconut husking, tree climbing and more.

The ministry's secretary Emile Kairua said the inclusion of traditional sports as a medal category was a significant milestone.

"This is the first time that we have actually held the Emo Aito, which are our traditional games in its truest form and as a medal game," Kairua said.

"It is awesome that we can recognise the efforts of our people, it is not just something we do for entertainment, although entertainment is a big part of it, it is actually testing your skills and your ability."

The Cook Islands Games were split into three categories; youth, open and masters.

Upcoming athletes from Aitutaki island dominated the youth category.

Fourteen-year-old Maiata Matheson, who won silver in junior tennis, said the games coinciding with the school holidays meant she and her peers could join in and represent their islands with pride.

"I had a really fun time during the Cook Island games, this is my second time joining," she said.

"I think most of my classmates joined this year and I saw lots of them playing, they seemed like they had a lot of fun as well."

Her cousin Tetaura Henry also represented Aitutaki, winning bronze in mountain biking.

At only 12 years old, he is encouraging his peers to participate in the next games.

"I think more people should join the games."

On the other side of the spectrum is the master's section - encouraging older people in the community to stay active.

Mitiaro island's mamas and papas gave their all, culminating in victory.

They took home the master's trophy.

Tatari Mitchell-Ngatoko competed in volleyball, handball and darts, securing two gold and one silver medal.

She said senior competitors are proving age has no limits.

"I think the inclusion of the master's section in the Cook Islands Games is really beneficial because it keeps our bodies and mind fit and healthy as it promotes us to keep moving, rather than just staying at home."

The most competitive section, the open category - for men and women over 18 - was won for the second time in a row by Mangaia island.

Natasha Dean said the island did not plan to compete this year, busy with their bicentennial gospel celebrations.

But she said they changed their mind.

Despite joining rather late, the community dedicated themselves to the competition, resulting in victory.

"It means a lot to our island to win the opens trophy again back-to-back given that this year was a last-minute decision to give it a shot so we are happy that we managed to come out and defend our trophy."

"I have to say it is the hardest trophy to win because the competition is quite competitive now for all the islands."

The next edition of the Cook Islands Games will be held in 2026.