Aitutaki Liftoff 2024: A Celebration of Fitness, Community, and Culture
Once a year, the serene island paradise of Aitutaki transforms into a vibrant fitness hub for the Aitutaki Liftoff—a unique event that celebrates functional fitness and community spirit.
A Diverse Field of Competitors
Athletes from Canada, Hawaii, New Zealand, and Rarotonga joined the event’s adult Opens and Beginners categories, while six youth teams from Araura College showcased young talent aged 12 to 17. This year also marked the introduction of the Local Village category, creating a new platform for community pride and participation.
“This event is about inclusion. Village sports are central to community life here, so we wanted to incorporate that sense of rivalry and teamwork into something new and exciting for everyone.”
A Week of Fitness and Fun
The Liftoff kicked off with a Give Back Day at Araura College, where international athletes shared their stories of health and wellness, followed by a spirited truck-pulling event involving students and athletes alike.
The competition officially launched with an Individual Weightlifting event at the Aitutaki Fishing Club. Featuring athletes as young as six years old, the night highlighted local talent alongside top lifters like Jerome Tura and Lavinia Tama, who claimed victories in their categories.
Over two action-packed days, 24 teams faced diverse challenges, including truck pulling, running circuits, Oe Vaka paddling, and a swim-and-cycle relay. The event concluded with a celebratory buffet and cultural performances at Resort Tava’e, followed by a relaxing lagoon cruise on Sunday.
- Opens: Kukis & Cream (490 points)
- Beginners: Paradise Special (470 points)
- Local Villages: Amuri (500 points)
- Youth: Team Rinos (460 points)
2024 Winning Teams
Building a Healthy Future
Despite its limited budget, the Aitutaki Liftoff thrives on community support and sponsorship. Cook Islands Tourism, Air Rarotonga, and local businesses played vital roles in making the event a success.
Reflecting on the event’s purpose, Adendorff emphasized its importance in addressing the Cook Islands' rising rates of non-communicable diseases (NCDs):
“The Liftoff exists to inspire a healthier lifestyle for our community, especially among our youth. It’s about making fitness accessible and fun while promoting teamwork and resilience.”
