The college student has been up at Summerhill Mountain Bike Park this week, working as an MC for the mountain bike races.

The Year 12 student announces races, hypes up the kids and makes sure all riders feel welcome and get the same appreciation, no matter their place.

“I try to give them a safe space if they mess up, and a space where they can grow,” says Thomas.

“I think that’s the cool thing about AIMS. No matter where you come, there’s a spot for you. You've never got to prove anything to anyone.”

Zespri AIMS Games tournament director Kelly Schischka says the event would not be possible without volunteers like Thomas.

“We have more than 1800 people giving up their week to support the Zespri AIMS Games in all sorts of ways, they are the backbone of this event and we thank them for doing an incredible job once again.”

Thomas was involved in the AIMS mountain biking event’s very own Spirit Awards. 

“We nominated people who may have not been the best at racing, but have been the best person,” says Thomas.

“One boy who got the award came dead last and he took an hour to complete the circuit. He was walking his bike near the end but he never gave up.”

Never give up; that is one of Thomas’s key pieces of advice, along with “give it a go”.

“Once you get stuck in you’ll be surprised how many doors open up for you.”

Thomas has been mountain biking since 2019, and is now third in the North Island for cross-country racing.

He also plays basketball, attending national camps and gaining podium finishes.

He volunteers two to three times a week, coaching mountain biking and refereeing and scoring basketball.

“I think volunteering is the best way for any athlete to give back to the sport."

Tauranga Boys’ College student Thomas Winter volunteering as an MC at the Zespri AIMS Games. Photo: Supplied.

Tauranga Boys’ College principal Andrew Turner says the school encourages their students to “give back to the community”.

“It’s a really important quality to instil in our boys. Volunteers are vital and the community is run on the good will of people.” 

Tauranga Boys’ College has been sending volunteers to the AIMS Games since it first began in 2004.

“There aren’t enough volunteers and a number of these students were involved in AIMS Games themselves and are connected to clubs in different sports,” says Andrew.

“They take time off school as part of their community service, whether that’s first aid or coaching.

“This is just an extension of what they’re doing in sport and they get to do something positive for their community. We work with the teachers and the parents to support them in any way we can.”