Cook Islands Badminton Celebrates a Year of Triumphs and Looks Ahead
The Cook Islands Badminton Association (CIBA) recently hosted its annual prizegiving ceremony, a night dedicated to recognizing the dedication and achievements of badminton players across all skill levels. Thomas Mereana-Ngauru, CIBA president, described the event as a resounding success, filled with appetizing food, camaraderie, and a festivity of the sport’s remarkable progress throughout the year.despite facing challenges, Cook Islands Badminton has witnessed exceptional performances in 2024. The U17 national team secured a silver medal at the prestigious VICTOR Oceania Championships U17 Invitational Team Challenge held in Geelong, Australia, in February. Later, in October, they captivated audiences with their spirited team chant at the World Junior championships in China, showcasing their passion and sportsmanship.
These achievements highlight the growing prominence of badminton in the Pacific region, with Cook Islands Badminton leading the charge. The association is currently focused on preparing two promising athletes for qualification in the 2026 Junior Olympics, demonstrating its commitment to nurturing future talent.
“Our goal is to provide our athletes with the best possible training and competitive opportunities to foster their progress,” stated Mereana-ngauru. “We are excited about the future and wish everyone a joyous holiday season.”
The 2024 prizegiving ceremony recognized outstanding individuals and teams. Kaiyin Mataio was honored as the Senior Player of the Year, while Hinaarii Taulu-Amo received the Junior Player of the Year award. Danny Simpson was named Coach of the Year, victor Anselmo earned the Personality award, and Mama Colleen Aperau was recognized for her unwavering support. The U19 squad’s journey to the World Junior Championships in China was captured in a winning photograph.
The Open division saw fierce competition, with Te Pa Tupa and Danny Simpson claiming the Mixed Doubles title, followed by Eleanor Wichman and Daniel Akavi as runners-up. Eric Gamez and Nadi Arifin emerged victorious in the Men’s Doubles, with Daniel Akavi and Damus Matakino securing the second spot. Te Pa Tupa and Lana aperau-Toa dominated the Women’s doubles, while Tereapii Akavi and Tuaine Nicholas-Herman finished as runners-up.
in the singles categories, Kaiyin Mataio triumphed in the Men’s Singles, with Eric Gamez as the runner-up. Tereapii Akavi clinched the Women’s Singles title, followed by Te Pa Tupa.
the ceremony also acknowledged the achievements of young athletes, presenting trophies to the Under 13, 15, and 19 national champions.
Cook Islands Badminton Serves Up Success: An Exclusive Interview with Coach Danny Simpson
The Cook Islands Badminton scene is abuzz with excitement following a year of remarkable achievements. From international podium finishes to a vibrant national prizegiving ceremony, the sport is experiencing a surge in popularity and success. Today, we’re thrilled to sit down with Danny Simpson, Coach of the Year and a driving force behind this badminton boom.
Moderator: Coach Simpson, congratulations on being named Coach of the Year! This past year has been a whirlwind for Cook Islands Badminton.How do you feel about the progress the association has made?
Danny Simpson: It’s been an incredible journey. Witnessing the dedication of our athletes, from the youngest Under 13 players to our seasoned seniors, has been truly inspiring. The silver medal at the VICTOR Oceania Championships was a testament to the hard work and commitment of the U17 team,and their electrifying performance at the World Juniors in China solidified Cook Islands’ place on the international badminton stage.
moderator: Absolutely! The team’s spirit was infectious. Their chant captivated even those who weren’t familiar with badminton. Speaking of young talent,you’ve also been instrumental in preparing athletes for the 2026 Junior Olympics. what’s your strategy for nurturing these future stars?
Danny Simpson: We believe in providing a holistic development path. It’s not just about technical skills, but also fostering mental toughness, sportsmanship, and a strong sense of teamwork. Our athletes are constantly learning and evolving, and we strive to create an surroundings where they feel supported and empowered to reach their full potential.
Moderator: It’s incredibly meaningful to create a strong foundation for young athletes. Now, focusing on the more seasoned players, Kaiyin Mataio dominated the Senior Player of the Year category, showcasing his prowess throughout the year. What are his key strengths, and what does the future hold for him?
Danny Simpson: Kaiyin is a remarkable athlete with remarkable court vision and powerful smashes.He’s also incredibly dedicated to his training and constantly pushing his boundaries. We’re excited to see him continue to grow and potentially represent Cook Islands on even larger international platforms.
Moderator: It’s fantastic to hear such dedication and drive from the athletes. Looking ahead, what are some of the biggest challenges and opportunities facing Cook Islands Badminton?
Danny Simpson: Funding and accessibility remain significant challenges. We need continuous support to ensure our athletes have access to quality coaching, training facilities, and international competition opportunities. Though, with the growing popularity of the sport, I’m confident that we can overcome these hurdles and continue to elevate Cook Islands Badminton to even greater heights.
Moderator: We certainly hope so. This increased popularity is reflected in the impressive turnout at the annual prizegiving ceremony. It was a festivity of hard work, camaraderie, and a shared passion for the sport.
Danny Simpson: Absolutely! It was a marvelous night to recognize the achievements of our athletes and acknowledge the incredible support system that surrounds them. From the parents and families who tirelessly support their loved ones to the dedicated volunteers and sponsors who make it all possible, everyone plays a crucial role in the success of Cook Islands Badminton.
Moderator: Thank you so much, Coach Simpson, for sharing your insights and expertise. Your passion for the sport is truly contagious. We wish you and the entire Cook Islands Badminton community continued success in the years to come.
[We encourage our readers to share their thoughts and opinions on the future of Cook Islands Badminton. What steps can be taken to further develop the sport and ensure its sustained success?]
