By Sasha Pei-Silovo – EM TV Online
The Cook Islands paddling team are vying for the top, in this year’s Pacific Games.
The trial squad comprised of both experienced and upcoming paddlers have been under intensive training programmes focused on fitness and strength, and spending as much time in the water in V6 and single canoes, among other key training areas.
The trial squad is under the coaching leadership of husband and wife duo, Fletcher and Vaea Melvin, both champion paddlers with the assistance of Dani Cochrane as team leader.
The final team for the 2015 Pacific Games will be announced in May, by the Cook Islands Canoeing Association. The team will consist of seven male and seven female paddlers who will contest the V6 500m and 1500m sprint race disciplines, the 30km race and the V6 marathon.
Two paddlers will also be named for the individual V1 disciplines to race in the 15km and 500m races at the Games in July.
The Cook Islands team hope to improve their regional placing; from winning one silver and two bronze medals at the 2011 Pacific Games in Noumea.
The games are an integral part of the paddlers’ sporting careers and to the country. The athletes are geared up to represent their nation in July and are adamant that they will be a force to reckon with.
