Olympic medalists and sports stars Mahe Drysdale and Sarah Walker spoke at the NZCT AIMS Games opening ceremony in Tauranga tonight, inspiring the 6000 intermediate students competing to give the tournament their best.

Olympic medalists Mahe Drysdale and Sarah Walker at the NZCT AIMS Games opening ceremony tonight. Photos by Tracy Hardy.

Mahe, who won gold in single skulls at the London Olympic Games, along with BMX silver medalist Sarah Walker spoke of their sporting history and encouraged the students to enjoy the week-long tournament at a ceremony at a packed TECT Arena – with officials and supporters watching the opening live on big screens in an adjoining room.

Earlier in the day the tournament's first event had taken place with cross country races at Waipuna Park in Welcome Bay.

The intermediate sports tournament, now in its ninth year, has grown to include 16 sports codes with rugby league joining the line-up this year. Competitor numbers this year reached a record 6000, up on last year's record of 4600 – with students competing from 166 schools including two from Australia.

Tournament director Vicki Semple was excited to have the Olympic medalists opening the event, saying they were the perfect role models and believes they will inspire the young athletes to give the event everything.

'After New Zealand's success in London it's great to have the Olympians involved and encouraging the competitors to make their own history.”


RPM entertaining the crowd at the opening tonight.

Otumoetai Intermediate's Kapa Haka group performing at the event.







Tauranga Intermediate's George Hiku and Marlique Emery sing the national anthem.

Tauranga Intermediate's boys choir.



Deelicious dancing for the crowd.

Te Puke Intermediate student Wiremu Jepsen and Mount Maunganui Intermediate student Julia Kayes read the Fair Play Oath.

Leilani Taula performing 'Call Me Maybe' by Carly Rae Jepsen.

Tauranga Mayor Stuart Crosby officially opened the event.

Msix performing 'Chelsea Dagger' by The Fratellis.

Te Puke Intermediate students got front row seats at the opening.

Steamers' mascot Steamy meeting with Pongakawa School students.