We were fortunate to participate in the recent Zespri AIMS Games in Tauranga for Year 7 & 8 students only. 

This is an international event that is bigger than the Commonwealth Games for numbers involved with 20,000+ Competitors, coaches and volunteers. 

We had 19 students representing Chisnallwood across 4 codes. We would like to thank the parents of our individual competitors for travelling and supporting their child and for whānau who were court or field side to support during the week. We had great weather during the week and our tamariki performed well and represented the school with pride and enthusiasm. 

We would also like to thank Mrs Collins for accompanying the team as camp Mum and ensuring the students were well fed and cared for.  

Rugby 7’s Boys: Coach: Caleb Johnson,

Team: Luca Lemaile (Captain), Qwade Forde, Boston Applegarth, Kaiden Seymour, Constantine Van Mil, Lucian Sinnot, Sacha Armstrong, Jaxon Church, Zion-Reign Maniapoto, Hamiosh Stewart

The Chisnallwood Rugby 7’s team was made up of both rugby union and rugby league players. 

The boys started the tournament on day 1 with 2 losses and a draw. This saw the boys progress into the shield competition placings 17-32. On day 2 the boys bounced back and started with a 52-5 win over John Paul College and then followed this up with a 36-7 win over Randwick park school. Unfortunately the boys ended day 2 with a loss to St Joseph's School.

To start day 3 the boys progressed onto a quarter final but in a nail biting finish unfortunately lost 24-17. This saw the boys progress into the semi finals for a 20-24 placing. The boys had a great win in their semi final winning 31-7 over Otumoetai Intermediate.

On day 5 the boys played Mt Maunganui Intermediate for a 20-21 finish the boys played extremely well from the opening whistle and won 20-5.

The boys played extremely well together and represented the school with pride. Over the week the boys grew in confidence and as a team.

A special mention to Qwade Forde who received the sportsmanship award for his leadership and respectful manner during games. A massive well done to team MVP Luca Lemalie and his superb play throughout the tournament.

Futsal: Coach: Jade Scott , Manager: Rob Bone (Parent)

Team: Jesse Clifford (Captain), Fergus Page, Baxter Van Onselen, Flynn Boyland, Xavier Wahnig, Danny Bone, Tom Murton, Zaiden Horvat

The Chisnallwood Futsal team was made up of Football players who all had limited experience in playing Futsal. The team had some great coaching with Jacob Grosvenor from Diamond Futsal in the lead up to the AIMS Games and were well prepared for the tournament. 

They started the week extremely well winning 3 out of 4 round robin games and progressed onto the top 16. The boys were learning and progressing their play and knew they had to start stepping up against tougher competition. 

In the round of 16, the team started with a fantastic win over Northcross Intermediate who until that stage were undefeated for the tournament. After a tough loss to Saint Kentigerns who were the eventual victors of the tournament, the boys had to secure at least a draw against Napier to secure a spot in the 5-8 bracket. They managed a 2-2 draw and were jubilant to know they had made the top 8. 

The boys unfortunately had two losses to finish the tournament in their semi-final against Ross Intermediate and final against Rosmini Intermediate to finish 8th overall out of 45 teams. 

The students really enjoyed their week. They came together well as a team, built their relationships and have created memories that we are sure they will look back on fondly for many years to come. The boys are keen to continue playing Futsal and see what they can achieve at CAIMS Summer Weekly. 

Congratulations to Fergus Page who was named the teams sportsmanship medalist for his constant positive attitude and respect for teammates, opponents and referees. 

Gymnastics & Swimming : Jack Chamberlain

I had a really fun time up in Tauranga at the AIMS Games.  It was such an honour to represent Chisnallwood Intermediate in both gymnastics and in swimming.  

In gymnastics I met other boys from around New Zealand and we all encouraged each other, and gave each other high fives after we competed. 

 I also met a coach called Mike who used to coach Stephen Nedoroscik who won gold at the Olympics in Gymnastics, he was really cool. 

I was so proud to place first in Parallel Bars, second on Rings and Third on High Bar.

The two days I competed at swimming were really long, I was at Baywave Pool for about seven hours each day, but in between races I got to go on the hydroslide so that was awesome. 

I competed in 50m Freestyle Multiclass, 50m Backstroke Multiclass and 50m Breaststroke Multiclass.  In every event I got a new personal best time so I was really happy with that.  I was also really proud to come third in backstroke against some pretty tough competition! 

I think the thing I was most stoked with, was someone nominated me for the Mercury Good Energy Award for being a supportive team mate and I won a $50 Prezzy Card!

I loved climbing Mount Maunganui and swimming in the hot pools there. 

 I can't wait to go to the AIMS Games again next year.