Awakeri School made its mark at the 2026 AIMS Games, with more than half of the school’s year 7 and 8 students attending – and two returning with medals.

Corrine Woolsey and Harper Brogden were among the top performers at the AIMS Games, with Corrine sailing to silver in the year 7 yachting competition and Harper picking up four medals – two gold and two silver – in the pool.

They were among 32 students from the school who attended AIMS, with 24 of those participating for the first time.

Principal Louise Howard said they all showed “Awakeri spirit” both on and off the sports field.

“I’m extremely proud of all competitors, with the school representing a wide range of sporting codes, including girls’ futsal, boys’ futsal, mixed Rip Rugby, yachting, adaptive swimming, mountain biking, cross-country and enduro.

Howard said they participated in AIMS for many reasons: to give year 7 and 8 students the experience of competing in a top-class sporting event, to allow them to follow their sporting passions, to provide a real team experience, teach teamwork, build resilience, highlight the importance of supporting one another, and to make lasting memories.

Trials and training for the event started near the end of term one, with practice sessions continuing throughout the school week, after school and at some weekends.

Fundraising events, including pizza and juice lunches at school and a sponsored fun run from the rowing club to the Heads, helped raise money to cover transport and associated costs.

The fun run proved to be a big success, with some AIMS competitors joined by family members, friends and supporters. Food and team activities also helped bring the school community together.

Student feedback from this year’s event was fantastic, with a great vibe among the group resulting in an incredible experience for all.

Teacher and coach of the Rip Rugby squad, Nikita Price, said the atmosphere was fantastic.

“Our rip rugby team had the absolute best time at AIMS down at Blake Park.

“The atmosphere was buzzing and everyone was in such great spirits. It was so awesome seeing total strangers cheering for other teams, not just their own”.

“Between games, the team were able to wander around and catch the netball, hockey and sevens, plus cheer on our other Whakatāne schools.

“Tauranga was completely buzzing with kids all week and there was always something fun for them to do.

“Honestly, such an incredible experience for the whole crew, including coaches and parents,” said Price.

Futsal coach Brigette Davidson guided newcomers through the experience and enjoyed the challenge.

“We had a lot of first timers in both the girls’ and boys’ teams, and the students represented our school and their families exceptionally well.

“They developed their futsal skills throughout the tournament and enjoyed the challenges that every game brought,” said Davidson.

Between games, both futsal teams actively supported other Awakeri and Whakatāne teams at various locations across Tauranga, including the rip rugby and mountain biking teams.

Howard is grateful for the support the school and teams received throughout the week.

“A massive thank you to our parent, teacher coaches and managers, who have been extremely busy planning and coaching since the end of term one, as well as all those people who made the experience possible.

“Our students have had a great week and will have lasting memories of their AIMS experience … Roll on AIMS 2027.”