The Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee (CISNOC) organised Games were last held in 2015 but the event has been revived as a way to ensure participation in sport during the global health crisis.

Competition is due to start tomorrow and run until October 17 on the island of Rarotonga. 

"Of the 15 islands that make up the Cook Islands we have 11 islands that will be participating, including the capital Rarotonga," CISNOC President Hugh Graham said, according to Radio New Zealand.

"We have about 3,500 athletes that will be participating in 24 sports.

"We are expecting about 300 technical officials and about 400 volunteers to help out so it is a huge Games, a huge undertaking in such a short short time to organise."

The bowls and handball competitions have already begun, with an Opening Ceremony set to be held today to mark the start of the event. 

Other sports include basketball, cricket, tennis and badminton. 

Everyone who is a Cook Islands Maori and who has blood ties to one of the islands is eligible to compete at the event, and it is hoped this will help develop domestic talent.

The Cooks Islands are yet to report a case of coronavirus but inhabitants are still subject to travel restrictions.