An event for people with disabilities has been organised by the Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee (CISNOC) with the support of the country’s Ministry of Education and other groups.

The first "Ability" Olympics was held at the National Stadium in the country’s capital Avarua.

People of all ages participated in various events that included colourful ribbon twirling, sit down volleyball, hoop throws and ball games as part of the Cook Islands celebration of Olympic Day.

"We wanted to do something for our other kids that don’t get so many opportunities," said Owen Lewis, CISNOC’s secretary general.

"This year we decided we have to be inclusive of everyone for Olympic week.

"We want to make this into a festival every year.

"It’s been absolutely brilliant.

"Sport can improve the wellbeing of persons with physical and intellectual disabilities, particularly those missing out."

Education's inclusive support advisor Andre Hansen claimed that the event would help inclusivity in the Cook Islands.

He even hoped that it might help Cook Islands take part in the Paralympic Games, an event they have never participated in.

"I’m sure there are people here who might be the best at something Para-Olympic wise, but we just don’t know about it yet," Hansen said.

Source: https://www.insidethegames.biz