New Zealand's largest intermediate-aged school tournament is underway this weekend with participants from Rotorua up against some stiff competition.
About 7200 people will descend on Tauranga for the annual Aims Games, with the opening ceremony being held at TECT Arena on Sunday.
More than 6000 kids from 166 schools are in competition across 16 different sports. A further 1200 coaches and parents will be in town to support their teams.
Overseas schools will also be competing this year, with teams from Knox School and Newhaven College in Melbourne booking out 30 apartments in Tauranga in preparation for the games.
They are the first overseas schools to take part in the event.
Olympic Gold medallist Mahe Drysdale and Kawerau's Silver medallist Sarah Walker will open the tournament.
At the opening ceremony, students from throughout the region will provide entertainment and showcase their talents.
The fairplay promise will be read out for all participants to reflect on before they enter the competition phase of the games - starting with "good sport is about positive attitude" and ending with "give it heaps".
The games, sponsored by the New Zealand Community Trust, run from September 9 to September 14.
This is the ninth year the games have been held.