Aims Games: Eleventh heaven for organisers

James Power, from Omokoroa No 1 School, dives into the pool during the Aims Games swim programme at Baywave. Photo / George Novak

It may be Aims Games number 11 for tournament director Vicky Semple but she is just as excited about this one as any over the past decade.

"This year's event has 1000 more competitors but it has still kept its amazing feel and it's still got the great buzz about it and great sportsmanship," said Semple. "Kids love meeting new friends and representing their school, so it is brilliant."

A record number of 226 schools are competing at this week's Aims Games that conclude this afternoon.

For some, staying in hotels and competing at national events is quite normal, but for others the Aims Games is a brand new experience.

The boys in the football team representing Redoubt North School from Manukau, South Auckland, are lapping up every experience. The decile 2 school is at its first Aims Games and the boys are staying near the beach at Mount Maunganui.

Many of them have never been out of Auckland and none have stayed at a plush hotel before. They love the beach, the hotel, the competition with 80 football teams, the amazing atmosphere at Blake Park - they just cannot stop smiling.

This sort of life-changing experience is the pay-off for Semple spending 12 months a year organising the event. It is what keeps her going.

"That situation where teachers go the extra mile to give kids an incredible experience just blows me away," she said. "It makes me think I am so lucky to have a job where you actually can make a difference in people's lives."

With about 10,000 visitors descending on the Western Bay this week, the accommodation providers fill a crucial role. Not only do they shelter the competitors, coaches and parents, but they are the first and last point of contact for the visitors.

Semple knows just how important their role is in making the Aims Games such a success.

"The other really cool thing is I have heard so many schools saying that the people at the places they are staying have been coming to watch their games. Everyone just gets drawn into it. It just has such a fantastic feel about it."

Semple is pleased to offer a new sport this year and has already organised yet another for 2015.

"We have added a 17th code this year in table tennis, which has gone extremely well," she said. "Next year we have got sailing, which will be awesome. It is an iconic Kiwi sport so it will be great to get that in and promote the Tauranga Harbour."

Aims Games results: www.nzaimsgames.co.nz