Rarotonga International Triathlon - Boiler Swim 2013

The nineteenth Rarotonga International Triathlon was held on 11 May 2013. Besides the main triathlon, several other sporting events take place and the first of these is the Boiler Swim. 
This starts and ends at Trader Jacks on the Avarua waterfront and swimmers head around the remains of the SS Maitai that foundered on the reef in the early part of the 20th century. (Apparently the so-called boiler is actually some other part of the ship's engine but it's been called 'the boiler' for many years and that is likely to continue.)  
This year's winner was Stephen Farrell (NZ) in 10m 28s. 
He was followed by local girls Vanessa Woodger and Kelly Pick then Carlswell Bain (NZ) and local paddler John Beasley.
Next video up will be of the triathlon. Other events include the Hash House Harriers fun run on Monday, Turtles Tour de Raro round-the-island cycle race on Tuesday and the Matutu Mile on Wednesday.

Cook Islands Cricket U19 Tournament

Cook Islands Cricket has big plans for the development of the game, in fact it's hoping to establish 50 new junior teams across six islands during 2013. That's ambitious! So far this year we've had a women's tournament and a national team entered in the Pepsi ICC Twenty20 trophy in January (won by PNG) and during the recent school holidays CIC held an under 19 development tournament for boys. Four teams took part: the Wale (Pukapuka) boys playing for Tupapa, Titikaveka, Turangi-Ngatangiia and the national development team.
The tournament took place over three days at Raemaru Park in Arorangi with each team playing six 15-over matches in that time.
The final game between Tupapa and Titikaveka was a crunch affair as Tupapa had won all five previous matches while Titikaveka had just one loss. If they beat Tupapa games would be tied and there would be a run-rate countback to find the winner. However, it wasn't necessary as the Wale boys went through the tournament undefeated to win the tournament trophy and a cheque for $275.
Pastor Tekaria from Titikaveka was the top batsman having scored 176 runs in six matches.
David Piakura from Turangi-Ngatangiia was top bowler with 15 wickets.
Roland Mino from the national development team was top fielder.
More junior tournaments are planned including ones for under 19 women, under 16 and under 10 boys plus an under 13 world cup tournament for girls.

Rarotonga's Te Maeva Nui 2012 - Aitutaki Drum Dance

 
Here's another short video from the 2012 Te Maeva Nui (Constitution Celebrations) cultural dance competition. This video shows the southern group island of Aitutaki with their ura Pau (drum dance). Aitutaki was awarded an A grade for this item.
Don't forget that if you're interested in the best of Cook Islands culture and dancing your can buy videos (DVDs) of 2012 and previous years Te Maeva Nui and Dancer of the Year competitions. Available from the Ministry of Cultural Development.