Unfair criticisms on graffiti

Below the belt and absolutely wrong” was the response to public criticisms directed at members of the Cook Islands Handball Federation who have been accused of being responsible for the graffiti that adorned several buildings from Tikioki to Vaimaanga over the weekend.
We want to set the record straight and inform the public that none of our members were in any way involved or responsible for these acts of vandalism. Yes some of them were spotted in the area at the time of the alleged vandalism but they have admitted that they were being responsible and were taking one of their mates back to Titikaveka who was so drunk he couldn’t drive so they offered to take him back home.
Makiroa Mitchell of the Cook Islands Handball Federation was so upset at the allegations she called in all of the team members on Sunday to discuss the vandalism acts. I’m just astounded as the boys are because we had only just finished a very successful fundraising dinner and the boys had poured their hearts into making this evening a success. Why on earth would they go out and do something silly like this especially after all the pep talks and motivational sessions that have been held to encourage them to respect and honour the fact they will be representing the Cook Islands at the World Junior Olympic Games beginning in Singapore next week.
Obviously the players are very upset at being accused and so are the administrators and parents in Handball. This is totally out of character as most of these young representatives are responsible and intelligent young people and do not resort to this type of behaviour. The boys had spent the later part of the evening and well into the morning cleaning up after the dinner and decided to go to Tupapa to get something to eat. It was here that they met their colleague and taking into account his state of intoxication and wanting to be seen to be acting responsible, they decided to take him home.
This criticism has put a dampener on the eve of our departure but the boys are strong and are not going to let an incident like this get them down said Makiroa Mitchell Team Coach and Administrator on the eve of their departure for Singapore. I hope whoever is responsible feels guilty and admits to this callous act of vandalism rather than allow innocent young men to take the rap for their behaviour. These boys are representing the Cook Islands at a world championship, something never before achieved and they are feeling proud of their achievement so we’re hopeful that those people who were quick to criticize them, will reconsider their comments and criticisms because we are confident our boys were not involved.

Herald Issue 463 10 June
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