The Rising Stars Championship in Atiu will end this week and coordinator Joshua Jim says teachers and students on the island are enjoying the five-week competition.

Jim led this programme with the help and guidance of non-governmental organisation Kōrero O Te 'Ōrau, and the community of Enuamanu.

The 2025 Atiu Rising Stars Championship officially kicked off on May 2 with excitement.

This is the second year of the Rising Stars Championships after a successful run last year.

“This is the second year we did Rising Stars at Apii Enuamanu School and the students and teachers love it,” Jim said.

“This programme is helping the intermediate and senior students NCEA level 1 and 2 for their practical assignment for physical education.”

Jim said that for the past two years the students have improved in their sport and teamwork and are becoming future leaders for their houses.

Due to the island’s availability, Atiu decided to commence the programme earlier before the big 60 years of Te Maeva Nui celebrations, and the 50-year anniversary of the Taunga Nui Harbour, as well as other events happening throughout the year.

Meanwhile, this year marks the 10^th year of the Rising Stars Championship for netball, rugby and volleyball tournaments with primary and secondary schools in Rarotonga with over 1100 athletes expected to take part across all the sporting codes, starting tomorrow.

The weekly competition will start at 1pm at the Raemaru Sports Complex in Arorangi.