Puru takes special status in his stride | Bay of Plenty Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Bay of Plenty

Netballer Puruakena August is used to playing centre but being the centre of attention in another matter.

The Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o te Rotoiti student is the only boy on the school's netball team at this year's NZCT AIMS Games.

Having a boy on the team is nothing unusual for the school - Puru, 12, has been playing with them since the start of the year.

But out of 3870 Year 7-8 children from across New Zealand taking part in the games this week, he is one of four boys playing netball.

Organisers say Games rules mean when boys turn 13 they are no longer allowed to play.

"I like it. It's very sporty. I run around a lot."

Puru said he originally got into netball to help out some friends. Now he plays the pivotal role of centre. "They needed some team players and they asked if I wanted to play. I said 'yes'," he said.

"So I just started practising with them and then it was practice, practice, practice.

"That's how I got involved in the netball team."

Teammate Juleigha Stowell said having Puru on the team just felt normal.

Coach Dawn Hill said it was the first time their school had taken part in the Games, and the efforts of Puru - and the team - would have made their late principal Hawea Vercoe proud.

Mr Vercoe was killed when he was attacked by a man outside a bar in November last year.

"We are only a small kura, with a role of 88 ... this is something we know he would have wanted."

Ms Hill said it had been tough on the students and staff.

"We are still going through that."

However, the Games have helped bring smiles back to their faces, Ms Hill said.

"They are a good bunch and this is the first year they have been together as a team.

"Matua Hawea would be proud."

For more AIMS Games stories and pictures, see today's Bay of Plenty Times.