Article added: Thursday 12 September 2024

By Zoe Hunter

William Shaw-White is writing Ōpōtiki School down in history.

The Eastern Bay of Plenty primary school has been coming to the Zespri AIMS Games since 2006. 

But this year, for the first time ever, the school has brought a squash player – and he is 12-year-old William.

Ōpōtiki School teacher Kelly McGough said it was a “very special” moment. 

“It shows that just because we live in a small town, it doesn’t mean we can’t compete on a big stage. We can do this.”

William has been playing squash since 2020 and, after a 12-month break, has returned to the sport this year. 

His “Koro Mel” coaches him at a local squash club, along with other young athletes keen to give the sport a go, at no cost. 

William said he is proud to be representing his school at AIMS this year, alongside nearly 13,000 other young athletes who are taking part in 27 sporting codes. 

It has been 20 years since the first ever AIMS Games and this year more than 390 schools from around Aotearoa and overseas have entered – setting a new record for the event.

“It is fun meeting new people and playing against different schools,” William said. “It is history in the making.”

Next week, the youngster will follow up his AIMS Games experience with a trip to the deep south, to represent Ōpōtiki in the Men’s F Grade Superchamps as part of a five-strong team at Squash New Zealand’s National Tournament in Invercargill.

Kelly said more pupils were starting to play squash and she hoped sending William to this year’s AIMS Games would inspire even more players to play in the future.

“It has opened the doors to other kids to get out there and give it a go.”

She said the AIMS Games provided a platform for aspiring athletes.

“Winning is not everything. Regardless of the results, they will remember the tournament forever,” Kelly said. 

“For many, it will be the biggest tournament they will ever enter. It is massive, especially for our kids from a little town.”

To help get the children to the games, she said the school helps fund accommodation costs and entry fees through grants. The rest – like food and entertainment during the week – is paid for through the annual Ōpōtiki Fun Run fundraiser.

“We don’t want money to be the reason they can’t get out and be part of things like AIMS.”

This year, Ōpōtiki School also brought a futsal team and a netball team to AIMS, as well as 10 indoor bowlers for singles and two indoor bowlers in the Athletes With Disabilities division.

They also have a 9-hole golf team, with one girl and three boys.

Golf coach Micky Huriwaka said it was great to be able to give young athletes an opportunity to experience AIMS not only in golf, but all different sports. 

Micky said AIMS was a stepping stone to the New Zealand Maori Golf Association tournaments later in the year.

“This gets them ready for the big stage,” he said.

This year, Ōpōtiki School welcomed two new golfers, including Micky’s 11-year-old niece Te Au Aroha. 

“I feel proud to represent my own school,” she said.