Cook Islands Handballs’ humble steps to the Olympics

Who would have ever thought that the second most played Olympic sport in the world after Soccer had reached the shores of Rarotonga in 1998? With only chicken wire fencing, bits of timber gathered from everyone’s home to make the goals and discarded black diesel from the power station to paint the lines of the first-ever handball court in Rarotonga are fond and memorable moments of the history of Cook Islands handball.
Since its humble beginnings on the front lawn of an Avatiu home, the under 18s Cook Islands handball team players of 2010 must commend the 12 years of hard work, perseverance and commitment spearheaded by Makiroa Mitchell John and her executive committee, parents and supporters. Without their combined determination and self-belief, handball as a sport code within the Cook Islands would not have achieved entry into the Olympics.
The Cook Islands Handball team has learnt to lose many of times before beginning to win and move up the ranks. In June 2008 in Porirua, Wellington, team Cook Islands beat New Zealand and were ranked as 2nd in Oceania next to first place ranked Australia. What a moment for Team Cook Islands handball. It is much to the team of 2008 that the team of 2010 has become eligible to attend the Youth Olympics 2010 in Singapore.
The under 18s boys travel to the first ever Youth Olympics during the 14 – 26th August 2010 in Singapore will be a moment for Team Cook Islands handball to represent the Cook Islands and the Oceania Region. This means Team Cook Islands handball has made history in being the first team sport in the Cook Islands to qualify for the first Youth Olympics. It is a proud moment for us all; as a sport, as a country!

- Media Release Cook Islands Handball

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