Last minute preparations lead up to AIMS Games

Last year's AIMS Games cross country event at Waipuna Park. Photo/file

The last preparations are underway for the 12th NZCT AIMS Games tournament set to kick off tomorrow.

Intermediate-aged competitors from 261 schools across the country will be in Tauranga this weekend ahead of a week-long tournament to compete in 19 different sports.

AIMS Games has broken through the 8000-athlete barrier for the first time and excitement has been building in Tauranga over the past two weeks.

New Zealand sailor Blair Tuke and Black Sticks member Gemma Flynn will be guest speakers at tomorrow's opening ceremony.

Kiwi singer and songwriter Jamie McDell, X-Factor winner Beau Monga and runner-ups Elijah and Leilani will perform at the ceremony as well as other local acts including Icefire.

Tournament director Vicki Semple overlooked last minute preparations for the cross-country event scheduled to kick off tomorrow morning.

She said the tournament and ceremony was not limited to participants only.

"Anyone can come along and support or check out the events. It's a big event to be a part of with more than 7500 people expected."

In the true form of kiwi sport, a truck load of oranges had been donated for participants from the Te Puna Lions Club, Mrs Semple said.

"It's such a nice community event that anyone can come along to."

The opening ceremony will be held at ASB Baypark Stadium tomorrow evening at 6pm.

Tickets are available at ticketek.co.nz