The Cook Islands will welcome more than 800 competitors to its annual water sports event, the Vaka Eiva Festival, held from November 24-30.
Karla Eggleton, sales and marketing director of Cook Island Tourism, said from small beginnings eight years ago Vaka Eiva has become the largest international annual event in the Cook Islands.
The South Pacific islands will host international competitors in classes from junior to senior level, in swimming, boating and canoeing.
The final event is the Round Raro Relay, where participants paddle traditional canoes through the Muri Lagoon around the island of Rarotonga.
Eggleton added, “The competition is a great celebration of Cook Islanders culture and heritage as well as a wonderful tool to showcase everything that the islands have to offer to visiting tourists and competitors, from the cultural richness to the beautiful natural surroundings.
"In addition, it is also an event in the calendar that involves and supports the local community by bringing together international visitors and local Cook Islanders, as well as raising funds for local charities through the various Vaka Eiva activities."
