Historic Rookie Games unites Niue through fitness and heritage

Elizabeth Swann, also known as Peka, is making waves in Niue after successfully organising the island’s first-ever CrossFit-inspired competition, the Rookie Games, held on 1 March.

The 22-year-old fitness enthusiast recently moved to Niue to reconnect with her heritage and is quickly becoming a driving force in the local fitness community.

Swann, who is of Sāmoan and Niuean heritage, grew up primarily connected to her Sāmoan roots. She moved to the capital of Niue, Alofi, last September to embrace her Niuean side.

“I was brought up mainly knowing my Sāmoan side … and recently, I just had this feeling of wanting to connect with my Niuean side.

“I decided to come visit in early August [last year] with my mum and sister, and I really enjoyed it. So I decided to move here,” Swann says during an interview with Island Time host Tofiga Fepulea’i.

Her passion for fitness stems from her mother. “It’s something that I’ve been brought up with my mum. She’s a fitness fanatic, and it’s something that I’ve got from her.

“Since moving here, I did miss that same energy, and it’s something that I wanted to bring over here in Niue,” Swann says.

The inaugural Rookie Games featured 14 teams of four participants, aged 16 to 67, in a series of CrossFit-style challenges.

Despite limited equipment, the event was a resounding success, with registrations doubling in the final 24 hours.

Watch Elizabeth Swann's full interview on Island Time below.

“Seeing as this was the first one, I wanted to make sure that it wasn’t too challenging but not easy either.

“Also, equipment-wise, we are a bit limited with resources. All of the workouts were dumbbell-related."

Swann says the community support and feedback have been incredible, and she looks forward to hosting another similar event later this year.

“It was going to be an annual event, but I’ve been getting really good feedback from the participants and the spectators.

“I’m looking at running another one come constitution time [in October].

“I’m starting to reach out to the government to help with some funds, which is good. And heaps of support from the community, family, and friends,” Swann says.

Looking ahead, Swann is determined to involve more people and attract international participants.

“I want to get more people involved, getting our people from overseas to come on board and give it a go.”

For her, life in Niue has been a refreshing experience.

“Living in the moment, the weather’s nice, living in nature. Loving it here. It’s nice. It’s refreshing meeting new people, and meeting new family members. The support’s been really helpful.”

Swann is committed to uplifting the Niue community and the local fitness scene. She expresses pride in her heritage and connection with her people.