A record number of schools are registered to take part in the 10th NZCT AIMS Games and organisers expect this year's event will be the biggest yet.

In two weeks' time, more than 6500 students from 193 schools – including seven from Australia and one from the Cook Islands – will descend on the Western Bay for the week-long event.

Children participating in last year's AIMS Games event.

Festicvities start on Sunday, September 15 with the Tauranga Energy Consumer Trust Opening Ceremony at ASB Baypark, before sports begin on Monday, September 16.

The Year 7 and 8 students will compete in 16 different sports, including team sports such as basketball, football, hockey, netball, rugby league and water polo, and individual events such as badminton, gymnastics and golf.

The event began in 2004 with 750 competitors, from 17 schools competing in four sports. Tournament director Vicki Semple from Sport Bay of Plenty is delighted with the continued support from around New Zealand, Australia and, for the first time, the Pacific Islands.

'The growth in athlete numbers confirms the tournaments value as a pathway to sporting success and future champions.

'The organising committee has a definite objective of broadening the reach and appeal of the tournament further afield, and we are delighted with the interest so far.”

Providing opportunities for students to complete at an elite level, be active, celebrate fair play and enjoy success have seen the NZCT AIMS Games grow to be one of the largest sporting events in New Zealand, she says.

In addition to the medals on offer, the school from the Cook Islands, the seven schools from Australia along with the 12 Far North, 42 Auckland, 3 Coromandel, 18 Waikato, 13 Hawkes Bay, 5 Manawatu, 3 Poverty Bay / Gisborne, 2 Taranaki, 3 Wellington, 1 Marlborough, 6 Christchurch, 42 other schools travelling long distances including schools from the Otago region to participate will strive for the prestigious premiere award of the NZCT Teammates Cup.

This is awarded for overall excellence throughout the tournament.

Competing along with the 43 Bay of Plenty schools, the premiere award is judged upon presentation, punctuality, skill and fair play during competition and respect for officials, fellow athletes and supporters.

SunLive has extensive AIMS Games coverage planned, and will be providing daily updates, news and photos as the event progresses.