They could have felt overwhelmed by the sheer scale – 14,000 athletes from 431 schools across New Zealand – but Hautapu School stood proud as its flag soared at the opening ceremony of the country’s largest sporting event on Sunday.
Tauranga mayor Mahé Drysdale greets competitors. Photo: Alysha Gill
The Aims Games got underway on Saturday with the highlight always coming at the opening ceremony held in the Baypark Arena when the school flags are carried by athletes.
Four international schools were also competing in the Bay of Plenty along with 37 athletes with disabilities all competing in 28 sports.
Inspiring gems from sporting legends Lisa Carrington, Sophie Pascoe, and rising star Noah Hotham during a question and answer session.
The opening ceremony featured a welcome from Tauranga mayor – and Cambridge resident – Mahé Drysdale who was alongside Lisa Carrington, Sophie Pascoe and Noah Hotham during a question and answer session.
At its inception in 2004, the games attracted 760 competitors representing 17 schools and four sporting codes attended – it now has more athletes than were at the Paris Olympic Games.
Joining Hautapu in representing The News circulation area were students from Cambridge Middle, Kaipaki, Korakonui, Maihiihi, Ōhaupō, Ōtorohanga South, Piopio College, Rukuhia, St Patrick’s Catholic, St Peter’s School and Te Awamutu Intermediate.
Flying high: Hautapu School at the Aims Games opening ceremony, from left: Stephanie Barr, Oscar Stevenson and Callista Davis-Beer. Photo: Alysha Gill
