AIMS GAMES athletes battle windy weather

Strong wind and passing rain showers are challenging athletes taking part in the NZCT AIMS GAMES Tournament.

The weather made play incredibly challenging at the tennis court, with players having to cope with two rain showers and constant wind yesterday.

On the football field, anticipation is high for a match between Rotorua's John Paul College and Auckland's Balmoral Intermediate, who are both unbeaten after four games.

Three other teams are also unbeaten after four matches.

The wind wasn't a problem for Indoor Bowls, who this year have 172 Year 7 and 8 students from 20 schools entered in the singles event. This is up from 86 entries in 2011.

Pongakawa School's Josh Tamang took out the gold medal at the finals of the singles competition _ a leap up from his 8th place finish last year.

The pairs qualifying rounds will begin today and finals will be held tomorrow.

Meanwhile, sports being played today are badminton, basketball, football, golf, gymsport, hockey, indoor bowls, multisport, netball, rugby league, rugby sevens, squash, tennis and water polo.

Tonight, teams are set to dance into the evening at a disco at the Tauranga Intermediate School Hall.

At the coaches and managers evening tonight, guest speakers Calvin Ferguson, the High Performance Coach for Rowing NZ, and Warriors player Jerome Ropati will share tales of their success.