Dancing queens, synchronised swimmers and comedic sketches were among the performances at the opening ceremony of the Southern Area Schools Tournament in Owaka yesterday.
Catlins, Twizel, Roxburgh, Maniototo, Waiau and Lawrence area schools were each given an opportunity to put on a musical dance or performance during the opening of the annual event.
Hosted by the Catlins Area School this year, the event is rotated annually between the schools.
Catlins Area School principal Kate Staniford welcomed the 150 pupils staying in Owaka over the next two days.
As she had only been in the principal's role with the Catlins Area for three weeks, Mrs Staniford acknowledged she may need some help from more ''expert tournament attendees''.
Some of the performances put on by the schools at the ceremony featured Abba's Dancing Queen, a faux synchronised swim, comedic sketches and the viral dance sensation The Harlem Shake.
Catlins Area physical education teacher Fiona Wilkinson said the opening ceremony was always exciting and something to look forward to.
''There's usually a lot of variety and it's good to see good performances out there.''
She looked forward to seeing the rural pupils getting to ''mix and mingle''.
''There's not huge numbers within our towns so it's good for them to get together, play different sports, have lots of fun and meet up with other people.''
Catlins Area School head pupil Naomi McLay wanted to make this tournament one of her best, as it was her last year at school.
''I've been in every tournament since year nine, so I'd like to make it a really good last-year tournament.''
Naomi said everyone made friends easily at the tournament and got along well.
The first sports to take part in yesterday were basketball, touch rugby, golf and indoor bowls. Rugby, netball, squash and lacrosse will be some of the main events today.
Top performing pupils in the main sport events - such as netball, rugby, football and volleyball - will be selected to compete in the National Area School Sports Tournament.
The Southern Area Schools Tournament will conclude with a social event tonight and a closing ceremony tomorrow.
