At the opening ceremony of the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau, Alanna Smith and Brendon Heath who put sport and community at the forefront led team Cook Islands.

"We're incredibly proud to have two of our most experienced and respected athletes named as flag bearers," said Robert Graham, President of the Cook Islands Volleyball Federation.

"Both Brendon and Alanna have contributed so much over the years and continue to lead by example. This is a proud moment for our volleyball family."

For Heath, this mini games marks an emotional milestone. 

Less than a fortnight ago he lost his mother, Suzanne Tungane Kainuku Heath, who peacefully passed away in Nelson after battling a long illness.

"Mum has been my biggest motivation to represent this country," he said. "She was the reason I moved to Rarotonga."

Born and raised in New Zealand, Heath hadn't grown up closely connected to his Cook Islands roots. 

"I came to reconnect. I planned to stay for a year and have been there 17 years now."

As captain of the men's beach volleyball team, Mr Heath steps into the games with a wealth of experience. He said this tournament is a tribute to his mother and a symbol of the legacy he hopes to leave for his three children, who continue to inspire him.

"It's a huge honour and a proud moment for myself and my family," he says. "I feel like I've had a life of sports my kids have never seen. I hope I make them proud."

For Alanna Smith, it's about caring for something bigger. Crowned Miss Cook Islands in 2017, she also represented the country at Miss World. 

She's a familiar figure on the national stage, not just as a beauty queen, but as an accomplished athlete who has represented the Cook Islands in netball. Now she's returning to beach volleyball — her second international appearance in the sport, having previously played in 2011.

Beyond athletic pursuits, Smith is the director of Te Ipukarea Society, a prominent environmental NGO advocating for projects around climate resilience, and raising awareness on issues like deep-sea mining.

For Smith, sport and environmental advocacy are interconnected.

"Sport and the environment might seem worlds apart, but both are about caring for something bigger, about stewardship.

"Whether I'm on the court or working on conservation, I see it all as part of the same mission."

Mark Short, the Chef de Mission, emphasised that their selection was unanimous and heartfelt.

"Brendon and Alanna represent the very best of the Cook Islands. They're inspiring leaders with compelling personal stories who demonstrate unwavering dedication to their sport and community. 

"Their selection as flag-bearers recognises not just their achievements, but the mana they carry as individuals."

 Harriet Tuara/ ABC Pacific