Rotorua kids among thousands at AIMS Games

The cross country was one of the first events held at the games and took place at Waipuna Park. Photo / George Novak

Athletes from 10 Rotorua schools are among the more than 10,000 who have descended on Tauranga for the AIMS Games.

The games are a sporting championships which provide Year 7 and 8 pupils with an opportunity to compete as an individual or in a team against the best of their age group.

This year's event officially started on Sunday with an opening ceremony and a handful of sporting codes.

Teams travelled from around New Zealand and the Pacific Islands to take part in the week-long event which finishes on Friday.

The 15th annual AIMS Games includes 10,851 athletes from 326 schools competing in 22 sporting codes played at venues across the city. Yesterday the games included everything from canoe slalom and BMX racing to tennis and hockey.

Tauranga Mayor Greg Brownless previously said the games were delightful.

"That sounds a bit overblown, but it's true. I think it's just delightful to have a whole lot of young people coming here. That age group is so enthusiastic.

"I'm honestly so excited to see the show and the performers, and to see what it means to all the kids attending."

Rotorua schools taking part
John Paul College
BMX Racing, Cross country, boys' football, girls' football, boys' futsal, golf, multisport, netball, rock climbing, squash, swimming, water polo open
Kaharoa School
Mixed hockey, multisport
Kaitao Intermediate
Girls' basketball, BMX racing, mixed hockey, indoor bowls
Mokoia Intermediate
Cross country, boys' football, girls' football, mixed hockey, multisport, netball, boys' rugby union sevens, girls' rugby union sevens, squash, swimming, table tennis
Murupara Area School
Gymnastics
Ngakuru School
Mixed hockey, indoor bowls
Reporoa College
Girls' basketball
Rotorua Intermediate
Boys' basketball, girls' basketball, cross country, boys' futsal, golf, multisport, netball, boys' sevens, girls' sevens, squash, swimming, tennis
Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o te Koutu
Boys' basketball, girls' basketball, cross country
Waikite Valley School
Mixed hockey