Heartbreak and hope

Team Cook Islands chef de mission George George is proud of all 115 Team Cook Islands athletes here at the Pacific Games in Noumea.

Overall Ive been pleased with the performances of our athletes that have competed so far but really we are just getting into the business of the games, says George.

We have a long way to go but already I feel our athletes have the fighting spirit that you need to compete at games like this yes we have had some opportunities go begging but I feel we are up to the standard we need to be for these games.

George is still in awe of the young oe vaka paddlers who came close to winning medals during the sprint events earlier this week.

No one can say we are not doing well at this competition.

But Im still heartbroken over our bodybuilders who missed out on medals during their competition.

In regards to the organising of the Pacific Games George says he understands the teething issues the New Caledonia organising committee is going through.

Ive been to enough of these games in the Pacific to know that there are always problems even us back home during the Pacific Mini Games.

George is confident that issues including the lack of nutritious food for athletes, lunch deliveries during full on days for competing athletes and efficient transportations will be ironed out as the games continue.

The games will come to a close on Saturday, September 10 but until then the games go on.