After two years of interruption by Covid-19, the Zespri AIMS Games return to the Bay has been marked as a huge success.

More than 350 schools across 23 sports competed in the games this year, bringing a whopping 25,000 athletes and supporters to the Bay last week, taking place from Saturday September 3, to Friday, September 9. 

Zespri AIMS Games tournament director Kelly Schischka says the feedback organisers have recieved has been “phenomenal”.

“They had kids, parents and officials coming up to them all week, telling them how amazing the tournament has been and how much they’ve enjoyed it.

“As tournament director, that’s music to my ears. The competitors have been awesome and I’m so stoked they got the chance to be here and I’m so proud of what our team has been able to deliver, still in the midst of a global pandemic.

“It bodes really well for the future.”

Basketball. 2022 AIMS day two at Trustpower Arena in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand on Monday, 5 September 2022. Photo: Dave Lintott / lintottphoto.co.nz.

Highlights and stories poured in from athletes’ stories across the region, such as visually impaired 11-year-old Zach Graham bowling his way to success at his very first games, competing in indoor bowls as part of a team of seven players from Highlands School in New Plymouth.

Former Black Caps all-rounder Matthew Hart was kept busy in his role as team manager for the St Peter’s School (Cambridge) boys side in the…