The Cook Islands Prime Minister Jim Marurai would like Government to push ahead with the building of the 2009 Mini South Pacific Games sports complex and be able to honour its bid to host the 2009 World Youth Netball Champs.

The PM met with the Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee Executives, (CISNOC) on Monday to hear concerns and uncertainties from the National Netball Association about hosting the event should there be no international standard venue to do so.

According to CINA president Ngarangi Tuavera Pittman, failure to host the 2009 World Youth Netball event would also deny future funding for much needed netball development for the country.

Government plans to use a Chinese Government soft loan to build the.NZ$7.1 million complex has been heavily criticised by sports officials and the general public saying it does not include three courts and enough seating arrangements required for the world event.

The PM says the Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) is willing to take on the job to build the complex on time for the September Mini Games.

CISNOC officials want assurance from Government soon for the go ahead in building the complex and to meet requirements voiced by CINA.

Source: Govmedia