Cook Islands beach volleyball players Brendon Heath and Alanna Smith will be the country’s official flagbearers at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau.

The opening ceremony for the Pacific Mini Games will be held on June 29. The competition will run from June 30 to July 9, 2025.

Smith has represented the Cook Islands in netball and played international competitions, including in Singapore against teams like Swaziland, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Ireland. She also plays tennis.

Smith is teaming up with Twinna Tangirere at the upcoming Mini Games.

Veteran volleyball player Heath, who is also the U18 beach volleyball head coach, has teamed up with Raiti Herman.

Speaking to “Stories with Harri”, Smith says it is an awesome opportunity to showcase Cook Islands culture, song and drumming. She said they are lucky to have Mark Short, who lives and breathes culture, as the team chef de mission.

The team is ready to showcase the Cook Islands’ identity to the rest of the Pacific.

Smith says, “It’s a real honour, I love representing and playing for my country.”

Heath says it is a proud moment and it means a lot to represent the Cook Islands.