Outriggers compete at Cook Islands

Te Ika Nui, an Outrigger Canoe Club in Ettalong, will leave for the Cook Islands on Saturday, November 19, for five days to compete in the international outrigger event, Vaka Eiva, in Rarotonga.

Te Ika Nui president Ms Yvonne Walters said the club was fortunate to compete last year and is thrilled to be given the opportunity to participate again this year.

"With only 30 canoes on the island, paddling teams have to wait to be accepted," said Ms Walters.

"Itis a privilege to paddle in such an amazing location with extremely challenging conditions and be able to participate in the many special cultural activities provided for the paddlers.

"Last year we discovered the islands use this event as a fund raiser, and this year the focus is on education.

"Paddling teams adopt a school and are asked to support their school by taking educational resources for the students and spend time at the school for an opportunity of cultural exchange.

"Once we saw a photo of our school's students we knew we had to do something very special for them," said Ms Walters

Ms Walters also commented that the Te Ika Nui team had been training very hard in preparation for the races which include 500 metre sprints, a 12 km race and a 42km Round Raro Race.

"Last year we were totally overwhelmed by the generosity of our Cook Island hosts so this year we would like to repay by providing our adopted school (Takitumu) with some great educational resources."

Email, 11 Nov 2011 Annette Marsh, Ettalong Outrigger Canoe Club