Proud parents and families attended the annual CITC Prince of Wales Primary School Athletic Championship, a two-day event that concluded yesterday at the National Stadium in Nikao.

This year, 768 athletes from preschool, juniors, intermediate and senior classes from 11 schools in Rarotonga participated in the event.

Simone Fe’ao, president of Athletics Cook Islands, was “really happy” with the successful event.

“It’s probably our biggest yet,” said Fe’ao. “It’s great to see our smaller schools on the rise to challenge the large schools.”

“Today is all about getting kids participating and enjoying athletics and seeing their hard work and training turn into some great results.

“Well done to every single athlete who was brave enough to compete these past two days.”

Nukutere/St Joseph’s girls relay medallists. MELINA ETCHES/24100114

Fe’ao expressed her thanks to the coaches, team managers and parents who have encouraged each of the athletes.

She also acknowledged the sponsors.

“We couldn’t have done it without the fantastic support from CITC and their supporting sponsors Anchor, Pump, Sanitarium and Nike.”

She said CITC not only provided financial support but organisational support as well as many volunteers for the event.

“Meitaki ranuinui. See you all next year.”

Young speedster Teruan Napa (second from left) of Apii Avarua has retained the Junior Boys Champion trophy. MELINA ETCHES/24100126

CITC has been a major sponsor of this event for eight years now.

CITC general manager Gaye Whitta acknowledged the organisers and the “amazing” CITC staff for their support.

Whitta said the event was getting bigger and bigger each year.

“It’s a team effort, we couldn’t have done without all the supporters, volunteers and sponsors,” she said.

Defending Intermediate Boys Champion, Numangatini Heather-Halston from Apii Avarua, retained the trophy for the second time. Heather-Halston won the 800-metre race and 75m and 100m sprint events, received a medal in the relay race, and placed fourth in long jump.

Teruan Napa, the defending Junior Boys Champion holder, also from Apii Avarua, reclaimed the trophy this year. His older sister Moana-Sky Napa received the Intermediate Girls Champion trophy.

Results

The 2024 CITC Prince of Wales Primary School Athletic Championship overall results are as follows.

Preschool Girls Champion – Eliza Pureau, Apii Avarua; Preschool Boys Champion – Mamanu Emile, Apii Te Uki Ou; Preschool Overall School Champion - Apii Avarua.

Junior Girls Champion – Telia Tangapiri, Apii Avarua; Junior Boys Champion – Teruan Napa, Apii Avarua; Junior Overall Schools Champion – Apii Avarua.

Intermediate Girls Champion – Moana-Sky Napa, Apii Avarua; Intermediate Boys Champion – Numangatini Heather-Halston, Apii Avarua; Intermediate Overall School Champion – Apii Nikao.

Senior Girls Champion - Sandy Tauraki, Apii Nikao; Senior Boys Champion – Jayden Angene, Apii Avarua.