There are many teams playing AIMS games, but not all of them are from New Zealand. Teams have even travelled from Cook islands and Fiji. Teams like St Anne’s Netball team, who have flown 2595 km to join in with Zespri AIMS Games for the first time ever.
St Anne’s heard about AIMS through another Fijian team who has been competing in AIMS for a few years now. They worked very hard to get here, fundraising by making kava barrels (a traditional Fijian drink) and selling these along with Lovo meals, which are like a Hangi.
The St Anne’s team consists of 12 athletes and for almost all of them it’s their first time in New Zealand. So to make this trip special, they spent time in Auckland visiting Museums and are also going to the sky tower and Rainbows End.
The girls from St Anne’s friendliness and kindness extended to each giving a gift to their opposing player, bringing part of their culture to every game. They even shared a gift with a friendly reporter!
Fiji didn’t just come to AIMS to play netball though, they came to form new friendships, try new things, and make fun memories they will never forget. That’s the true spirit of AIMS Games!
