There are more than 14,000 of them at this year’s Zespri AIMS Games. Our roving junior reporter Maddie James takes a deep dive into the minds and routines of just a few of our superstar athletes.

Who and what drives them to succeed and improve? What are their rituals and interests? Who’s in their support team?

It turns out they’re fuelled by dumplings and toasted sandwiches, boosted by music and chants, and styled by their superstar mothers. 

Netballers from Belmont Intermediate Juliette France, 12, and Michaela Topolsky, 13, enjoy scoffing down a big brekky including cereal, toast, eggs and bacon to boost them every morning.

Juliette’s multi-tasking mum, television and radio presenter Toni Street, takes great pleasure in being the team coach and hairdresser.

“She does all the braids,” Juliette says.

Fellow netballers at Te Puke Intermediate explain the netball team is loud and proud to be representing their school.

Their chant says it all. 

“Who are we? TPI. Fast and strong all day long. We’re here to fight with all our might. One, two, three, TPI,” they shout together.

The team has a favourite playlist going all day and the girls warm up to Pump It Up by Endor, according to Alex Atelemo, 13, and Miela Murphy, 12.

They are also eating what they claim are “the best dumplings in the world”.

Dayne Temara and Paris Edge from Mokoia Intermediate’s Rip Rugby team say their secret weapon is a meal of fish and chips.

However, they also make sure they warm up and stretch before each game. 

Paris thanked all the supporters and teachers for helping them get to AIMS and said the team likes to kick off their day with karakia for good luck.

The Bethlehem College netballers, wearing their homemade pink heart-shaped glasses, also pray before each game. 

Kate Balmer, 13, and Lea Vorster, 12, explain that their prayer includes thanks for the weather and the privilege of being at AIMS.

“I pray … that we will just give it our all, enjoy it, and be humble winners and gracious losers,” Lea says. 

“I pray that we don't get injured and to those that are already injured that you put your hand over them so they can be healed.”

The team makes their own toasted sandwiches and have a unique mascot called Sigma Sally. 

“He is a toy sloth. It motivates me,” Kate says.

Mount Intermediate netballers also have special supporters. They each carry their own plastic Mr Monkey mascot that joins together, showing their team’s connection.

Players Holly Scott, 12, Brooke Wright, 13, and Hudson Meade, 12, also made a special mention of their grandmothers and other human helpers.

“Thank you for supporting us, you’re amazing,” the girls said.

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

Article added: Thursday 04 September 2025