Thousands of 11-13-year-olds belted out the national anthem at the opening of the Anchor AIMS Games International Sporting Championships.

There are 10,851 competitors from 326 schools competing in 22 sports this week.

Day one took place on Sunday, with cross country at Waipuna Park. Watch above for the highlights of day one.

The photos below were taken by Bob Ricketts at the cross country event: