In 1965 organised a sporting event to celebrate Cook Islands becoming Self Governing Country, in attendance was Sir and Lady Ferguson. William instigated the event by calling the sporting clubs on Rarotonga to come together to celebrate this prestigious event, sport on the program were Rugby played at Raemaru, Netball played at Arorangi School, Tennis at the Arorangi CIIC Residence, Athletics at Raemaru,
just to name a few. While William was not only the Games Co-ordinator, but he was also the Head Coach & Trainer for the Rugby Team, and a athlete in the Athletics Team throwing the shot put, and claiming first place, and played Tennis Doubles with the late George Robati where they took out first placing.
In 1968William Heather was elected as the President of the Arorangi Sports Federation,and today William still holds that position, the longest serving member of theArorangi Sports Federation. Throughout his time as President, the ArorangiSports Federation has won many sporting achievements. Winning the Kumete Sportsfor many years, also in 1990 the Arorangi Rugby Union Senior Grade won everymatch played that year, following that success, the Club decided to organise aTour of New Zealand, where William was nominated as the Team Manager with the assistance of the late Hugh Henry. Maintaining their non loosing streak, theymanaged to win all their games while on tour, and outstanding achievement.
In 1970 during the visit of the Duke of Edinburgh to the Cook Islands, William Heather was again called upon to organise the first Duke of Edinburgh Sports Events. Again William utilised the sources on the Island, utilising Club Officials from on Rarotonga, and also getting support from the Outer Islands to assist and run the program.
In 1971William Heather was appointed as Team Manager for Team Cook Islands to theSouth Pacific Games in Tahiti, he was accompanied by Pokoina Tommy as AssistTeam Manager, Tuaine Keene as Chaperone and William Hosking as Team Captain. Team CookIslands won 1 silver and 3 bronze medals at these games. William Heather recalls, “while on their way to Tahiti via boat, Mauke Island Community asked if they could stop over on their way to Tahiti. Upon arrival, they found that the Island had prepare food for all, and that they would have to take it aboard the boat, whereby they will have food available for them to take, to this day he is still in unbelief with the contribution by Mauke Island.”
William Heather was one of the founding members of the Arorangi Sports Federation, and was elected as President in 1968, and is currently still the President of the Arorangi Sports Federation. Also in 1968, William was appointed as the Chairman of the Cook Islands Sports Association. Arorangi Sports Federation honoured William Heather for his long service and outstanding achievement within Arorangi, William was honoured as the 2000 Olympic Torchbearer to carry the Torch around Raemaru Sports Ground. Also in 1980 William Heather elected as President, with
Eric Bateman, Ross Hunter and many other instigated the formation and establishment of the Rugby League within the Cook Islands.
William recalls that, athletes in the past couldn’t wait for the Kumete Sports and other major sporting events to happen, as it was an in thing at the time.
William says, “I have been very lucky in my life, great opportunities have come my way, and I have managed to achieve great thing, I thank God for that, and those who have assisted me in making all things happen.” / “Nothing for me, but for the people, my service, my people.”
Last Modified on 15/01/2011 06:21