Year 8 students Reuben Peterson, Noah Green and Benji Williams recently represented Christchurch South Karamata at the AIMS Games held in Tauranga from 2-8 September.
The annual sporting fixture is the largest of its kind. The 2023 event brought together over 11,000 intermediate age students from 373 schools, across a wide range of sporting disciplines.
The boys enjoyed a jam-packed week – kicking off with an impressive and star-studded opening ceremony.
The tournament was held at the Mount Maunganui Squash Club which was in the center of the Blake Park sporting facility. This hosted hockey, ripper rugby, rugby and netball – there were athletes in every direction and an incredible atmosphere. The catch-phrase: ‘Up the Wahs’ became very familiar!
Reuben, Noah and Benji were joined at the squash tournament by three other players from the Christchurch Squash Club where they belong. The group were sure to support, cheer for, and provide between game coaching to their friends throughout each day of the four-day event.
With most days spent at the club, the group quickly made friends with others from across the motu – and plans for future squash match-ups were made. The boys also appreciated the support of other students and parents, also attending the games, who came and watched them play.
A number of other parents commented on the boys’ excellent sportsmanship, friendliness and conduct during the event. In this regard they did Christchurch South Karamata very proud.
Out of a total field of 45, Reuben did exceptionally well bringing home a bronze medal, with Noah placing 6th and Benji placing 7th overall. Christchurch South Karamata was named the top school for the tournament – adding some extra bling to the overall tally. The result was an excellent end to an event where the boys did themselves proud in every sense and had plenty of fun.
