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What is AIMS Games?

The Zespri AIMS Games is Australasia’s largest junior sporting event, held annually in Tauranga. Celebrating diversity, the Games provides an opportunity for adolescents from all demographics and education contexts to compete in sporting competitions, to meet others from outside their normal peer group, and to learn and build on their social interaction skills. The Zespri AIMS Games is highly regarded by national education and sporting organisations and is considered a leader in its area.

Since its inception in 2004, the Zespri AIMS Games have grown significantly!

2004: 760 competitors representing 17 schools and four sporting codes

2024: 12,660 competitors, representing 395 schools and 27 sporting codes

It is remarkable to see a concept that Tauranga locals had, evolve into an event that in 2024 had more athletes than the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Even with this outstanding growth, the Zespri AIMS Games continues to be largely delivered by Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty locals and is successfully hosted within the region using existing public sport and recreation facilities.

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Our AIMS history

AIMS Sports Program 2025 – Information for Learners and Parents

In 2024, 25 Stonefields intermediate learners participated in Netball and Football, while 2 students took part in the individual sports of Badminton and Swimming. This year, we’re excited to work with a new group of learners and parents to achieve our AIMS goals for 2025.

Preparation for 2025 begins in Term 1, starting with our Information session here tonight.

Following this session, Expressions of Interest will be open and trials will be conducted. Teams will be formed for Netball and Football, with the potential inclusion of other team sports such as basketball or hockey, depending on interest.

Important Notes:

Students can participate in one team sport and/or one individual sport.
Participation in AIMS requires team fundraising and weekly training throughout Terms 2 and 3, leading up to Games Week.
Requests for other sports may be considered via application

Interested?�If you have a particular sport you are interested in, please email your early interest to: sport@stonefields.school.nz

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Important Information

AIMS Games 2025 – Teams

The AIMS Games is a highly competitive event. From last year's experience, feedback suggests that students are best prepared for success when teams are selected based on experience, skill and aptitude.

Parent Support is Essential�AIMS is primarily parent-led, with the school providing support for registrations and initial coordination. However, the bulk of the organisation and management will be handled by the AIMS Parent Committee.

Teacher Involvement�A lead teacher/AP will be appointed to support the event in preparation for AIMS. Our goal is to also allocate time for games week, working within resource and logistical considerations. The school will work together with the Chairperson to coordinate these arrangements.

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Parent Involvement & Organising Committee

A lead parent organising committee will be formed to manage the essential responsibilities required to bring the event to life:

Chairperson: Acts as the main liaison with school contacts and leads after-hours meetings with the parent group.
Accommodation: Find suitable housing for students and supervisors. Mixed gender considerations where applicable. Proximity to games is important.
Uniforms: Coordinates uniform orders and distribution.
Fundraising / Sponsorship: Handles fundraising initiatives and sponsorship arrangements - useful to delegate sponsorship search within the parent group.
Coach / Deputy Coach / Team Manager: Coaches need the required training credentials for their sport.
Meal Planner / Shopping Lists: Plans meals and refines the shopping lists per household for the week.
Food Shoppers: Bulk buy food for the week to take to Tauranga. Top ups can then be purchased locally as needed.
Parent Supervisors: Volunteers to stay in the accommodation during the games (3-4 per team, or 3 + teacher). Communicates house rules and teams for duties.
Entertainment: Organizes activities for students during downtime (Tenpin bowling, beach meet, and Quiz nights were favourites from last year).

Training and Fundraising

Training: The coach and team manager will hold weekly practice sessions focused on team building and skill development. All students are expected to attend these sessions.
Fundraising: Last year, students participated in two major fundraising events – the Samosa Drive and a bake sale during the sports shed opening. Both were successful, and funds raised directly contributed to lowering participation costs. We plan to host a school-wide event in Term 2, which would be an ideal opportunity to run a bake sale and set up a samosa sales stall. These initiatives benefit all participants, as the funds are pooled to reduce costs for everyone.

Uniforms

Netball: Team Netball dress, with the addition of their Netball Sports hoody, and navy track pants.
Football: Team playing shirt, black shorts, and socks. Shin Guards, and football boots.
Cost of Uniforms: Estimated at $50-$60 per student for the playing shirt or Netball dress.
Other codes: Depending on the sport, the Team shirt can be used, or a unisex singlet option.

Cost Breakdown

In 2024, over $6,000 was fundraised, significantly reducing participation costs. Factoring in logistical fluctuations year on year (accommodation, transport, food, uniform, entertainment, etc.), we estimate the total participation cost to be around $900 per student (team sport), minus the share raised through fundraising.

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SPORTS AVAILABLE

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AIMS Games 2025 - How to Get Involved

1. Sign Up�To register for the sport you are interested in, use the Expressions of Interest form available on the sports website.�Sign-ups close Wednesday 12th March, so be sure to register on time!!

2. Trials�Trials will be held during week 7 (17th - 21st March)�Make sure to attend the trials and bring your best effort to every muster.

3. Team Announcement Meeting�After the trials, please join us for the team announcement meeting where the final selections will be made. We want to remind everyone that not all players may be selected, and in these moments, we ask for your usual mana, respect, and empathy towards those who may feel disappointed. Let's continue to support each other, no matter the outcome

4. Commitment to Practices�If selected, attend all weekly practices. Each session is essential for team building and skill development.

5. Active Fundraising Participation�Participate actively in all fundraising initiatives to help reduce costs for all team members

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