The island of Niue competed at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and participated in the lawn bowls competition. One of those who stepped up to represent his nation was none other than their leader, Dalton Tagelagi.
The head of government, known as the 'Premier' of the South Pacific island, competed at his third Commonwealth Games this week. The 54-year-old was part of Niue's four-man and two-man teams, but he failed to win a single match.
The small nation finished bottom of their section in both disciplines of the sport - finishing with a -31 and -58 points difference. Tagelagi has led the island since 2020 but even his new role did not prevent him from travelling to Birmingham to play for his nation.
He made his Commonwealth Games debut at Glasgow 2014 when he was already a minister in the Niue government, and he returned for Gold Coast 2018. But heading to Birmingham 2022, despite being elected premier two years ago, was a special milestone for the politician as his 14-year-old son Tukala is also in the squad.
“The team has been training very hard and I’m looking forward to joining them,” Tagelagi said last month. "Participation in these things is very important. It’s one of those life experiences you can’t take away ... and it’s our head of state’s games so it’s important to have a presence."
When asked if he prefers discussing important societal matters or competing in one of his favourite sports, he said on Wednesday: “They’re both the same but I think this is more enjoyable than politics." Niue is one of the smallest nations competing at the games, and they're located 1,500 miles east of New Zealand.
The island is commonly referred to as "The Rock", which comes from the traditional name "Rock of Polynesia” and is one of the world's largest coral islands. Niue is a self-governing state in free association with New Zealand, much like how the UK governs Jersey and Guernsey and the Kiwis conduct most diplomatic relations on its behalf.
Niueans are citizens of New Zealand and Queen Elizabeth II is Niue's head of state, hence their involvement in the Commonwealth Games, in her capacity as Queen of New Zealand.
The 2017 census of the island revealed a population of 1,784 - however, by 2021, that was estimated to have grown by around 200 people.
