Phone lights danced back and forth in the dark as 5000 people sang the National Anthem to open the 2018 Anchor AIMS Games in Tauranga.

The week-long event was officially opened at Mount Maunganui's ASB Arena today. Two mirror image opening ceremonies were held to accommodate huge crowds of 11 to 13-year-old athletes and their coaches and families.

Performers included dance group NZX, entertainers JGeeks, and social media sensation William Waiirua imploring the athletes to "Do the mahi, get the treats".

But the major attraction was a double dose of sporting inspiration - Paralympic gold medallist swimmer Nikita Howarth taking the stage alongside Olympic gold medallist shot putter Dame Valerie Adams.

And now, with her swimming goals conquered, she had switched to a new sport - cycling. She had set herself the goal of being competitive in two sports.

Dame Valerie, New Zealand's four-time world champion shot putter, spoke about her tendency to choose seemingly impossible goals. She had her first child, Kimoana, in October last year and set a goal of competing at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in April this year – just six months later.

Not only did she get back to peak fitness to make the team, she finished second.

The big sister of NBA basketballer Steven Adams agreed her goals were often "nuts", but she was dedicated and determined to achieve them.

The netballers from Auckland's St Mary's College said the opening ceremony was "pretty fun". They claimed to be Waiirua's biggest fans and said they were looking forward to representing their school in such a large competition.

AIMS has attracted 10,851 athletes from 326 schools, competing in 22 sports. There are 500 gymnasts and 150 rock climbers, 57 rugby sevens teams and 124 netball teams.

AIMS is considered the premier sporting event for 11, 12 and 13 year olds and the tournament, which is hosted by the four Western Bay of Plenty intermediate schools, attracts athletes from Australia and the South Pacific.