The annual U13 Vaka Takitumu Quick Rip Tournament for boys and girls saw Te Uki Ou and Papaaroa schools emerge victorious on Thursday last week at Teimurimotia Park in Titikaveka.

Apii Te Uki Ou took first place in the girls’ division, followed by Titikaveka College in second. In the boys’ division, Papaaroa College claimed the top spot, with Te Uki Ou finishing as runners-up.

Inali Loki was named the most valuable player (MVP) for the girls, while Akhiyan Lind-Puia took the boys’ MVP title.

The tournament, now in its third year, was established to meet the demand from the Takitumu community for more youth rugby development opportunities.

“This is year three of our annual tournament, Under 13 Takitumu Quick Rip Tournament. It basically was created a couple of years ago because there was a demand from the Takitumu community saying that we didn’t spend enough time with their kids in terms of development,” Cook Islands Rugby development manager Ben Koteka explained.

Papaaroa College claimed the top spot in the boys’ division. 25050828

Koteka noted a “change in the guard” in the boys’ division, with Papaaroa now finishing in first place, while Te Uki Ou continued to show strength among the girls.

He praised the tournament’s impact on players’ development, saying, “You just see the slow progression, just by getting them out on the field game time, the games just got better.”

“The combination started to stick and yeah, just everyone getting out there and totally enjoying themselves.”

Koteka also emphasised the importance of promoting rugby values such as discipline, respect, integrity, passion and solidarity during the event.

“Great to see the Takitumu community come out today to help celebrate this event,” he said.

Koteka highlighted the tournament as preparation for the upcoming Rising Stars Championship, which starts this Friday and runs for four weeks.

The Cook Islands Rugby Union continues to support youth development through various events, including the Rising Stars Championship, the Cook Islands Golden Oldies Mini Rugby Festival, and school-based tournaments.

The Rising Stars Championship, held in Rarotonga, focuses on junior players and features netball, rugby and volleyball.

Koteka extended his gratitude to the participating schools, the Takitumu community, Titikaveka for providing the rugby field and the sponsors who contributed trophies.

“Thank you to our host Titikaveka College and all the schools in the region that attended, the students that refereed, administrators and our sponsors too - meitaki ma’ata and God bless you all.

“We’re just truly blessed and just truly grateful.”