The annual Rising Stars Championship is gaining momentum as it heads into the netball and rugby finals at Raemaru Park in Arorangi today.

According to organisers, the championship has become one of the most anticipated sporting occasions on the school calendar, providing a platform for young athletes to showcase their skills, teamwork and sportsmanship.

This vibrant multi-sport event caters to a range of age groups and talents, aiming to nurture emerging talent and build a strong foundation for youth sports in our region, with the focus of keeping clean habits and a healthy environment.

At the heart of this year’s Rising Stars Championship is Rippa Rugby for primary school boys and girls. This non-contact version of rugby provides a safe and fun introduction to the game, focusing on agility, ball-handling and strategic thinking. The enthusiasm from the players this year has been electric, with many schools participating and athletes displaying impressive skill and teamwork. It’s not only a way to introduce children to the sport, but also a fantastic opportunity for them to build confidence and friendship.

For the older students, the spotlight shifts to Rugby 7s, an exciting, fast-paced version of rugby played by secondary school teams which involved Nukutere College, Titikaveka College, and Tereora College who returned to Rising Stars this year under the helm of new principal, Heather Gorrie. This year’s matches were filled with energy, passion and tactical brilliance but not without some errors to learn from. The shorter format of the game keeps players on their toes and the spectators thoroughly engaged.

“It was inspiring to witness the high level of competition and intensity from players, some of whom may go on to represent their schools or communities at higher levels of this sport,” commented Nicolea Mateariki, who took on official MC and commentator duties for this year’s Rising Stars.

“Rising Stars continues to be a celebration of youth, athleticism and school spirit. With every passing year and every new sport added, it grows stronger — a true testament to the power of sport in shaping future leaders. Meitaki Ma’ata to all the supporting partners that make this possible each year,” Mateariki added.

Meanwhile, netball continues to be a highlight for young girls, providing them with an empowering space to develop their athletic ability and teamwork. The girls’ matches have been competitive, spirited and a true testament to the growing popularity of netball among young female athletes, especially here in the Cook Islands.

Excitingly, this year saw the re-introduction into secondary schools of one of Rising Stars popular sport codes — volleyball!

“Colleges were on hiatus last year as there were many activities happening, so volleyball was put on the backburner,” Mateariki said.

“This year’s games have received a warm reception, which our organisers are happy about. Both players and spectators have praised its smooth organisation and the high level of play. The inclusion of volleyball reflects the growing interest in a wider variety of sports and our commitment to giving more students a chance to compete and grow.”

Come down to Raemaru Park and enjoy the finals of the Rising Stars Championship 2025 for netball and rugby. Matches kick off at 1pm with prizegiving following for the primary and secondary divisions separately. Draws can be found on the Rising Stars Championship Facebook page.