AIMS Games almost here

The countdown is on until the beginning of the ninth annual NZCT AIMS Games tournament.

In less than two weeks, more than 6,000 athletes from 165 schools from Kaitaia to Dunedin are set to descent on Tauranga and take part New Zealand's largest Intermediate-aged school tournament.

The athletes will be joined by more than 1,250 coaches, managers and supporters.

This year the competition was opened to international schools and the offer was taken up by two Melbourne schools.

Students from Knox School and Newhaven College in Melbourne, Australia, will travel to Tauranga to compete in the elite tournament.

Tournament director Vicki Semple said the event had grown from a small "festival of sport" to the national sporting tournament for Intermediate-aged students.

"What started as a small event nine years ago has grown to a phenomenal, action-packed week long competition, which has gone international with the inclusion of the Australian teams, so it's exciting for all the participants."

She said the aim of the tournament was to provide opportunities for students to compete at an elite level, be active, celebrate fair play and enjoy success.

The addition of the rugby league to the tournament will bring the total number of sporting codes to 16.

The NZCT AIMS Games opening ceremony will be held at the TECT Arena at Baypark, on Sunday, September 9.

All the information you need to know about the AIMS Games tournament, including draws, tournament activities and information for coaches and managers, is on the official website www.nzaimsgames.co.nz

The tournament will run from 9-14 September.