By Maddie James

Singing, excitement and laughter filled Mercury Baypark Arena on Sunday as the Zespri AIMS Games opening ceremony commenced.

The stadium was a noisy, colourful sea of uniforms and energised kids. It was clear that AIMS Games meant a lot to everyone in the building and these future superstar athletes were pumped for the ceremony ahead.

Teams and supporters from 431 schools travelled from all around New Zealand and the Pacific islands to witness and participate in the 2025 Zespri AIMS Games.

I felt very privileged to be able to attend the ceremony as an AIMS Games junior reporter. I would have been here as an athlete but knee surgery killed that dream earlier this year.

Luckily, I was given a great new opportunity to be in the media team.

I now see that’s what AIMS is all about; overcoming challenges, seizing opportunities, being inclusive and giving everything a go. I’m grateful to have learned these lessons.

The kapa haka group from Tauranga Intermediate School left it all on the stage and the whole crowd was speechless in awe. But that was not the only breathtaking singing that afternoon.

Soon after the kapa haka performance, two girls proudly sang the national anthem. The crowd sang their hearts out, showing everyone just how thrilled they were to be representing their schools alongside supporters and friends.

Olympic gold medalist and Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale inspired the crowd with his experience, ending his speech with “anything is possible if you set your mind to it”.

Two flag bearers from each school waved their colours to celebrate their presence at AIMS. You might have heard my scream from a mile away when my school strutted their stuff across the stage.

As soon as singers Ella Monnery and Kings made their appearance, everyone was on their feet dancing. Ella blasted “Firework” by Katy Perry and Kings got the crowd vibing with “Don’t Worry Bout’ It”.

Master of Ceremonies Will Johnston had a bit of fun starting a Mexican wave that circled the arena. One of the highlights was definitely welcoming athletes Noah Hotham and Dames Lisa Carrington and Sophie Pascoe.

We learned how they navigated their way to success and how they came to see beyond winning.

Afterwards, I was lucky enough to interview Dame Lisa who was a very kind and down to earth person. She was very passionate about the AIMS Games and the people in it.

Overall, the whole night was super successful. It was a great way to kick off AIMS and celebrate effort and spirit within and beyond sport.

Maddie’s Q&A with Dame Lisa Carrington

Maddie: What advice would you give your 12-year-old self if you were about to compete at the Zespri AIMS Games for the first time?

Dame Lisa: Just try your best every day and make sure you have fun.

Maddie: What makes the Olympics so great and how do you think AIMS Games compares?

Dame Lisa: I think the Olympics is amazing because you get to work really hard and physically get better, and figure out how good you are when the moment means the most or when the pressure is really high. Here, it isn’t too dissimilar. I think what’s awesome is you can do multiple sports.

Maddie: Can you describe a moment in your sporting career when team spirit carried you through?

Dame Lisa: At the Paris Olympics when we were doing the K4 and K2, and even my individual race, to be part of a team really carried me through and helped me to enjoy it.

Maddie: The Ripple Effect Award celebrates the team that makes waves not just through performance, but through positivity, spirit, and connection. Tell us why the AIMS Games Ripple Effect Award means so much to you?

Dame Lisa: It’s so important to display the values and be positive. What’s amazing is you don’t really realise how much effect you have. It’s really important to acknowledge people who do such a great job because sometimes you can try your best and maybe you won’t win, but if you’re a really good person, it shines.

- Maddie James is a Year 7 student at Te Puke Intermediate.

Article added: Tuesday 02 September 2025