The $9m event transforming Tauranga each spring
The Zespri Aims Games in Tauranga, New Zealand, has grown into a massive sporting event that attracts nearly 30,000 participants and generates significant economic value. Organizers are focusing on sustainable growth and the personal development of young athletes rather than just increasing participant numbers.
Why it matters
The event highlights the economic and social impact of youth sports tourism and the challenges of managing large-scale community events.
It's bigger than the Olympics and worth millions to the Bay of Plenty economy.
As nearly 30,000 people converge on Tauranga for the Zespri Aims Games at the end of this week, organisers say the event has grown into more than a sporting tournament.
Kelly Schischka has been the tournament director since 2022 and said the quality of the event's delivery was a "big part" of the Games' success.
"People come here for the Aims Games and the experience off the sports field which our community offers them, and that is really special."
More than 14,500 athletes from 467 schools across New Zealand and overseas, including 62 from Bay of Plenty, have registered for this year's Games.
It marks the third consecutive year that Aims has exceeded the athlete numbers at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
"We need to be really intentional about our growth," Schischka said.
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