Cook Islands comprises 15 islands, covering a vast expanse of nearly 2,000,000 square kilometres of the South Pacific Ocean, in the Polynesian region of Oceania. The primary island of Rarotonga is home to the nation’s capital, Avarua, which played host to an in-country visit from 25 February to 12 March through the ITTF-Oceania Development Program. Ocean Belrose was the expert on duty in his capacity of Oceania Development Officer.
Throughout the visit focus was on:
- School visits
- Training camp
- Coach education
- Competition opportunities
- Providing ongoing assistance to the Cook Islands Table Tennis Association (CITTA) Executive
This visit built on the previous visit in March 2025 and will assist in the ongoing development of table tennis in the Cook Islands. In recent years, CITTA has enjoyed some outstanding results under the leadership of President Danny Vakapora and his Executive. Most notably, the Cook Islands women’s team qualified for the 2026 ITTF World Championships in London, however they have unfortunately had to cancel their participation due to financial and player availability issues. Additionally, Cook Islands had a player selected into the 2025 Oceania Talent Team and were a recipient of an ITTF equipment package.
Like many Oceania Member Associations, there is significant potential in Cook Islands. With ongoing support, guidance and opportunities it is hoped that potential will be realised.
ITTF-Oceania thanks ITTF for their support of the Oceania Development Program – without ITTF backing, we would not be able to provide support where it is most needed across the region.