EVENT INFORMATION
Established in 2020, the Aitutaki Liftoff was started as a community focused event to encourage the local community of Aitutaki to get active and enjoy the benefits of fitness in a competitive space. Since the event's inception, it has grown significantly to attract competitors from other islands within the Cook Islands, as well as from overseas.
The Aitutaki Liftoff consists of two seperate competitions, namely the
Individual Olympic Weightlifting event,
and
The Team Challenge.
Competitors have the option to compete in either or both events.
The structure of the competition ensures that there is something for everyone, no matter your age, fitness level or experience, from Weightlifting to functional fitness, the Aitutaki Liftoff is an experience for everyone!
So you enjoy functional fitness, but you also love to lift?
A unique opportunity to lift in paradise, going up against local and international competitors on a platform with arguably the best view in the world!
Held at the idyllic Aitutaki Fishing Club, situated on the waters edge at Arutanga wharf, competitors compete in Olympic weightlifting weight categories where each lifter must complete 3 attempts at both the Snatch and the Clean & Jerk.
Supported by the Cook Islands Weightlifting Federation, the lifting comp marks the official opening of the Aitutaki Liftoff and is the only Weightlifting competition to ever take place in the Pa Enua (outer islands) of the Cook Islands.
Athletes of all lifting levels are welcome, from novice to elite, we encourage all lifters to get amongst the action! Athletes have the option to register for this event and as well as joining a team for the Team Challenge, whilst others may choose to only compete in the Weightlifting competition.
Experience the best of Aitutaki as you compete in the water, on the water, on top of the mountains and on the beaches.
Grab 3 mates and compete as a mixed team of four in one of our three event categories, Youth, Beginners or Opens, no matter your fitness level, this fun and challenging two day event is for everyone! The ultimate test of functional fitness - you will paddle in an Oe Vaka race on one of the most pristine lagoons in the world, you will carry, pull, push, jump, throw, run, paddle board and cycle.
Day one of two will see teams take on the mighty "Maunga Pu" mountain, the highest point on Aitutaki, where they will be facing a mix of functional fitness challenges as they navigate along the jeep track, through tropical forests and up to breath taking vantage points offering 360" views of the entire atoll and its alluring lagoon.
Day two will take teams to the iconic Ootu peninsula, surrounded by turquoise blue water and contrasting white sand bars, the views are enough to distract some from the competition. It is here where teams will take on events such as the Triathlon, the Vaka paddle race and a variety of land based functional challenges involving odd objects such as logs and sleds. With our iconic bamboo A-frames towering over the competition arena, day two will also feature local food vendors, a DJ, an onsite masseuse and much more to ensure its a day to to remember for spectators and competitors alike.
THE MOTU WRAP UP EVENT
SUNDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2023
The perfect way to unwind and celebrate in paradise!
No trip to Aitutaki is complete without experiencing its picturesque lagoon.
We will park up for a fully catered for lunch featuring all the fresh local produce, on the famous "One Foot Island".
You will be cruising to One Foot Island on a return water taxi, departing at 11am and returning at approx 4pm.
Spend the day lounging on the beach or in the warm tropical water, soaking in all the beauty that Aitutaki has to offer!
EVENT SCHEDULE
31 AUGUST
@ AITUTAKI FISHING CLUB
1 SEPTEMBER
@ MAUNGA PU
2 SEPTEMBER
@ OOTU
3 SEPTEMBER
@ AITUTAKI LAGOON
- DAY #1 TEAM CHALLENGE
- DAY #2 TEAM CHALLENGE
- EVENT PRIZEGIVING
- EVENT WRAP UP:
LAGOON LUNCH CRUISE
- EVENT BRIEFING
- INDIVIDUAL WEIGHTLIFTING COMP