The massive crowd at the 2015 AIMS Games opening ceremony last night. Photo / George Novak
The massive crowd at the 2015 AIMS Games opening ceremony last night. Photo / George Novak
More than 8000 athletes along with their supporters raised the roof at the opening ceremony of the 12th annual NZCT AIMS Games at ASB Baypark Arena last night.
The excitement was palpable as 8007 intermediate-aged competitors from 261 schools across the nation, along with their teachers, coaches, managers and supporters, and invited VIP guests packed out the stadium.
The ceremony felt more like a rock concert as the massive crowd responded to the various musical and dance performances with huge roars of delight, whistles, and stomps.
Otumoetai Intermediate kapa haka group performs at AIMS Games opening ceremony.
There were impromptu and organised Mexican waves and as the lights came down in the stadium many in the crowd lit the darkness by waving their mobile phone lights.
Two of New Zealand's top sports stars also helped to kickstart the country's biggest multisport event for 11-13 years in Australasia.
The ceremony began with a performance from Otumoetai College kapa haka group and the singing of the national anthem lead by Anahera Whare and Joshua Hulbert from Tauranga Intermediate.
Tauranga Intermediate students Joshua Hulbert (left) and Anahera Whare singing the national anthem at opening ceremony.
A huge roar went up as tournament chairman Brian Diver welcomed the competitors and the supporters, including visitors to Tauranga Moana on behalf of the Aims Games trustees. "We are going to make a promise that you will have a great time," he said.
Mr Diver said the tournament was the "ultimate" platform for young people to shine, and whether they won or lost, he urged the competitors to do so with "dignity and humility".
World Champion hip-hop group Identity Dance Crew from Auckland wowed the crowd with slick moves, and Stan Walker gave the competitors a "big shout out" from one of the big screens .
Walker urged the competitors to "enjoy yourself, be staunch and don't hold back".
Guest speakers World No1 sailor Blair Tuke and Black Sticks member Gemma Flynn urged the competitors to "enjoy themselves" and strive to be the best they could every day.
Ms Flynn said: "Are you smiling? I hope you all are. It's so great to be here ... It is important to believe in yourself and your team and always strive to do a little better tomorrow."
Kiwi singer/songwriter Jamie McDell, X-factor winner Beau Monga and runners-up Elijah and Leilani also performed at the ceremony as well as another local act, Joe's Van.
Last year 7500 athletes, managers, parents and supporters attended the 11th AIMS Games.
2015 NZCT Aims Games
Weeklong multisport annual event.
* 19 different sporting codes. * 261 schools from across the country. * 8007 athletes competing.
