Olympic team reaches Hong Kong
Team Cook Islands arrived Auckland at 10am yesterday and after a short prayer service spent the day trying to stay awake by shopping and walking around before their flight to London via Hong Kong which departed at midnight. The idea was to have the team sleep on the 12 hour Auckland to Hong Kong leg and then stay awake on the way to London. This would enable them to overcome the jet lag and time difference quicker.
During the quick stopover in Auckland the team bumped into numerous Cook Islanders who spotted the strikingly distinctive Cook Islands gear and came up to say hello and wish the team well.
I’m filing this report from Hong Kong airport as the team have a 2 hour transit stop before resuming a 14 hour flight to London. In Auckland the team were met by parents and friends of the athletes. The team also picked up swimmer Tepaia Payne and youngest team member Celeste Brown who will turn 18 on 4th August while in London.
Although some of the athletes are admitting to a few nerves the team spirits are very high. The team is now looking forward to arriving London and catching up with the rest of the team for the official flag raising ceremony for the Cook Islands that will be held on Thursday 26th July at the Games Village. The on to the opening ceremony the following day.
Next report from London.
Cheers
Minister Brown

Herald Issue 608 21 March
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