The 20th AIMS Games opened with a spectacular ceremony at Mercury Baypark, featuring nearly 13,000 students from 395 schools across New Zealand. This year’s event is the largest ever, surpassing even the 2024 Paris Olympics in student participation. Schools from Northland to Southland, along with international teams from the Cook Islands and Fiji, are competing across 27 sports.
The opening ceremony felt like an Olympic event, with school flag-bearers proudly marching across the stage. The excitement peaked with a powerful kapa haka performance by Tauranga Intermediate School, which captivated the crowd of 5,000. Former radio host Will Johnston served as the MC, keeping the energy high with dance-offs, live music, and a special appearance by New Zealand music star Kaylee Bell.
Henk Popping, AIMS Trust chairperson, reflected on the tournament’s humble beginnings in 2004, when only 760 athletes from 17 schools competed in four sports. Now, the event needs two opening ceremonies to accommodate everyone. Popping encouraged the young athletes to enjoy the experience, do their best, and have fun.
The ceremony also featured sporting legends, including former AIMS Games athlete and Olympic speed climber Julian David, Black Ferns Sevens gold medalists Michaela Blyde, Shiray Kaka, and Sarah Hirini, Black Sticks striker Sam Lane, and Ultraman world champion Simon Cochrane. Each shared their stories, inspiring the young athletes with advice on hard work, resilience, and the importance of having fun.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Tauranga Mayor and Olympic medalist Mahé Drysdale also made appearances, urging the athletes to dream big and give their best effort. Drysdale reminded everyone that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible, and future Olympic champions could be among them.
