Cook Islands Beach Volleyball aims to improve and move up another level in the Pacific region at this year’s Pacific Games in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

Robert Graham of Cook Islands Volleyball says: “With our athletes in beach volleyball, we have a better opportunity and chance of getting to a high level within the region.”

He said that with indoor volleyball, Cook Islands is behind countries like New Caledonia, Tahiti, Wallis and Futuna, Fiji and Papua New Guinea (PNG).

“We are probably 7 or 8 on the table for indoor. However, that is something we are working on, to try and change that. For the beach volleyball it is an opportunity for us.”

He said for the Pacific Games they have had a team at a few other past Pacific Games and the last one was in 2017 in Samoa.

“We had a couple of young men that represented us at previous mini games, it’s not the first but it’s been a while.

“We are hoping to lift our level in a way of improving our standard within the region at this year’s competition.”

Graham said they have a few events to plan for this year and one of them is to host a World Series qualifier for the Olympics.

“We're just waiting on the International Federation (FIVB) to confirm that with us…once confirmed then we will start promoting our Series 1 here - men’s competition to be hosted here.”

Meanwhile, trials for the Cook Islands Beach Volleyball team to the Pacific Games in Solomon Islands will start soon.

They have invited Cook Islands beach volleyball players for the trials.

He said players were in New Zealand and some in the Cook Islands.

“From the trials we will select our two players and the potential as well…so four altogether. They need to qualify for the trial,” he added.

• This article has been amended. The original version referred Robert Graham as CISNOC secretary-general. Graham is a former CISNOC secretary-general. Owen Lewis is the secretary-general of CISNOC.