It's game on for the more than 500 teachers and school support staff who have registered for the upcoming Teachers' Games, September 30 to October 3 in Mt Maunganui.

The Games were first held in 2017 to help re-engage teachers and school staff from across the country in the fun and value of sport via a range physical activities, professional development sessions and networking opportunities.

Gareth Yates, Sport Bay of Plenty's team leader of school sport, says a 2013 census by the NZ Secondary Schools Sports Council showed a slow decline in the numbers of teachers involved in coaching and managing sports.

'Kids want to play sport, but unfortunately a lack of time, a jam-packed curricula and an ageing teacher population is preventing many educators from getting involved and supporting kids with those opportunities.

'The NZ Teachers' Games is a great way to re-engage education professionals in the fun and value of sport, and empower them with new ideas and knowledge to help support sporting opportunities in their local school communities.”

Rachel Colby from Stonefield's School in Auckland attended the Teachers Games last year and says the experience gave her and her colleagues a chance to rediscover the underlying fun of sport and a way to connect across their teaching disciplines.

'As a physical education teacher, I loved the opportunity the Teacher Games provided to include other staff members into the activities.

'This not only gave them a taste for how fun sports can be in a safe, developmentally appropriate setting, it also allowed us to connect as colleagues and lift staff moral back at school.”

The NZ Teachers' Games is open to any paid staff member in early childhood centre, or a primary or secondary school. Activities at the Games include options for all abilities and fitness levels.

Registration close 22 September. Visit sporty.co.nz/nztg to register.