Tauranga's 12th AIMS Games begins

The 12th NZCT AIMS Games tournament has officially begun.

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.

Tonight, the annual event has been opened with a ceremony at ASB Baypark Stadium.

New Zealand sailor Blair Tuke and Black Sticks member Gemma Flynn will be guest speakers tonight.

Kiwi singer and songwriter Jamie McDell, X-Factor winner Beau Monga and runner-ups Elijah and Leilani are performing as well as other local acts including Icefire.

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.

The first of its events was held this morning, with cross-country held in Welcome Bay.

Tournament director Vicki Semple said a truck load of oranges had been donated for participants from the Te Puna Lions Club.