Niue Youth Council Raft Races by Theresa Higgs, U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer for Youth
Niue Youth Council Raft Races
Traditionally, the Niue Youth Council hosts its annual races as part of the Constitution Celebrations in October. However, this year due to bad weather, rough sea conditions and bulk fuel tankers, the races were held four weeks later, on 18 November, 2000.
The youth designed and constructed their own rafts out of local materials including drained coconuts and wood from Fou trees. Local vines were used instead of rope or nails to hold them together. Some rafts got to the finish line as 'submarines,' but it is the effort and fun that counts. Each participating group was represented by 3 boys and 1 girl from their youth group to do the hard work of paddling!
This year there were 4 participating groups in the race who walked away wet and happy with money for their youth groups. The prize money goes to projects and events that their group are working on. After a straight week of rain and storms, it was a beautiful day that was enjoyed by participants and spectators alike.
Report by Theresa Higgs, U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer for Youth
