The Cook Islands has done away with the traditional flame and is using an o'e vaka or paddle as its symbol for the launch the Pacific Mini Games on the main island of Rarotonga.
The Games opening ceremony is this afternoon.
The o'e was sent on its six hour journey to the stadium from what is considered sacred ground, the Taputapatea Marae.
The President of the Mini Games Council, Sir Geoffrey Henry, says the paddle followed in the footsteps of the Polynesian ancestors.
"They went everywhere and they got there. Some didn't get back, some did. for me it is more symbolic for Polynesian people, particualarly people for this country, that we use a paddle rather than a standard torch used elsewhere."
The President of the Mini Games Council, Sir Geoffrey Henry
