Thousands of people will be at Waipuna Park in Tauranga for the first event of the 2018 AIMS Games.

Students will be taking part in the cross country event as day one of the AIMS Games gets underway.

The start of the 15th Anchor AIMS Games will also see sailing and gymnastics kick-starting a memorable week of sporting action.

Former Olympic and world shot put champion Dame Valerie is the star attraction of Sunday's opening ceremony at ASB Arena, speaking alongside Paralympian swimmer Nikita Howarth.

Watch the AIMS Games Live above.