The Cook Islands weightlifting team is gearing up to represent the nation at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games, set to be held in Palau from June 30 to July 9.

The official opening ceremony will be held on June 29, with a scheduled rest day on July 6 and the closing ceremony on July 9.

Weightlifters Etoa Puni and Matanoko “Noko” McDonald will fly the Cook Islands flag in one of the key regional competitions of the year, joined by head coach and team manager Martin Stetka and chef de mission Mark Short.

The delegation departed Rarotonga on Monday night, with a stop in New Zealand to meet up with McDonald before all team members continued on to Palau.

Short acknowledged the determination and effort it takes for a small island nation to prepare for international competitions.

“As usual, we don’t have the resources that other countries have, but we try our best. We have a very small team,” said Short. “The coaches and officials have been preparing well as some athletes needed to qualify before they can compete.”

In addition to the weightlifting competition, the Cook Islands will take part in the official handover ceremony as the nation prepares to host the Pacific Mini Games in 2029. As part of the ceremony, a cultural performance is expected from the Cook Islands team.

“We’re taking drums and some of our athletes will be dancing to show our cultural side,” said Short.

In preparation for their journey, the team received blessings from traditional leaders and the church community.

The Are Ariki and the SDA Church in Ngatangiia offered their blessings, and the team uniforms were blessed by an Orometua at Te Punanga Nui Market.

“We are grateful to our people and the families for their support, especially during the recent fun run,” Short added.

Cook Islands Weightlifting Federation president Luisa Peters, who is also the president of the Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee (CISNOC), highlighted the importance of these Games.

“These Mini Games are being used by the Oceania Weightlifting Federation as a qualifier for the 2026 Commonwealth Games,” Peters said.

“We are hoping our two athletes will achieve strong results and gain enough points to move up in the rankings. They have to be in the top 10 to qualify. This is their first qualifier.”

For rising star Puni, the journey has been one of discipline and determination. Over past weeks, the young athlete has been training twice daily – before and after school.

“The preparations have been intense, with double sessions during the week,” Peters said. “But we are so impressed by Etoa’s work ethic. He has remained consistent and has achieved new personal bests in recent trainings.”

Puni is looking forward to gaining international experience, meeting fellow youth athletes, and chasing new personal milestones on the platform.

McDonald brings her international experience and resilience to the team.

“We are so excited to see one of our very own international reps represent the Cook Islands again,” said Peters.

Based in New Zealand, McDonald has been balancing her demanding training routine with full-time postgraduate studies and work commitments.

“Her preparation has been solid, but challenging. It’s hard work, but also an honour to be in this position,” Peters said. “We are incredibly proud of her dedication and commitment to the sport.”

Guiding both athletes is head coach and team manager Stetka, who plays an important role in the Cook Islands Weightlifting Federation.

“Martin has a big role to fill, but we know he will succeed,” said Peters. “He’s been balancing his personal and work schedule while coaching the national team and supporting the athletes through their final preparations.”

While the team hopes for medals and personal bests, Stetka believes the experience of competing on the international stage is equally valuable.

“More than the results, we hope the competition atmosphere will inspire our athletes to remain consistent in the sport and motivate younger Cook Islanders to join weightlifting,” said Peters.