Team Cook Islands put on an impressive display of skill and athleticism at the recent Heiva Tū'aro Mā'ohi Traditional Games held in Tahiti, French Polynesia.

Tū'aro Mā'ohi Games is a prestigious regional competition that celebrates the traditional sports and cultural practices of island nations of the Pacific.

The competition culminated with the stone lift or amora'a 'ōfa'i event on Sunday featuring Cook Islands’ Tamaiva-Ariki Mateariki who competed in this event for the first time.

Viani Tixier-Teau, the Cook Islands team leader, was proud of the performance from participants Joshua Jim, Ieremia Samuela and Tamaiva-Ariki Mateariki.

Joshua Jim performed extremely well in the coconut tree climbing competition placing third.

Following the Traditional Games, the team took time out to experience the day tour to Moorea as well as the eight-hour safari tour.

Pa Marie Ariki also attended the games by invitation and cheered the team on. She played a special part in the event, presenting awards to the various winners.

Pa Ariki was “impressed” by Tū'aro Mā'ohi and said the Tahitians were curious about the Cook Islands’ traditional games, in particular, the rore (stilts) and teka (stick) events.

She said it would be good to see the Cook Islands’ traditional games improved which could lead to the event becoming a bigger, more popular, and regional event.

Tixier-Teau said Pa Ariki was a positive influence at the event.

“Accompanied by the President’s staff, she has been very involved, presenting prizes, dancing in ura piani, and constantly cheering for our boys. She even attended our training sessions for coconut tree climbing last week,” said Tixier-Teau.

The Cook Islands delegation is scheduled to arrive home this Saturday.