Tauranga, New Zealand, is once again abuzz with excitement as it proudly hosts the 20th edition of the Zespri AIMS Games, a premier sporting event for intermediate-aged athletes. Running from September 2 to 8, this homegrown extravaganza promises a week filled with sportsmanship, camaraderie, and unforgettable memories.
This year’s AIMS Games is set to welcome a whopping 20,000 visitors to Tauranga Moana, a number even surpassing recent Olympic Games attendance figures. Athletes from all corners of Aotearoa New Zealand will be joined by competitors from Fiji, Samoa, and the Cook Islands, making this edition truly international.
What started as a modest event in 2003, with only 760 participants from 17 schools, has blossomed into one of the Pacific’s largest and most prestigious tournaments. This year, almost 12,000 intermediate-aged athletes, representing 373 schools, will vie for honors across 25 diverse sporting codes. From BMX to badminton, hip-hop to rock climbing, golf to much more, the Zespri AIMS Games caters to a wide range of athletic talents.
The Zespri AIMS Games 2023 promises not only thrilling competition but also an opportunity for the community to come together, cheer on young athletes, and share in the excitement and energy that this event brings to Tauranga. With a record number of competitors and international representation, this year’s games are set to be a true celebration of youth sports and global friendship.
