October 6th, 2025

Today the national disability information and advice website Firstport, launches its Special Olympics Hub. It features a range of Special Olympics content designed to encourage people with intellectual disabilities, their families, and support people to connect and get involved.   

The launch of the hub comes ahead of the 2025 Special Olympics National Summer Games, which are being held this year across Christchurch from 10 to 14 December.  

Information on the hub is presented in Firstport’s typical friendly style, with plain, easy-to–understand language for a wide audience. The site is funded by Disability Support Services (part of Ministry of Social Development) and focuses on finding new ways to connect the disability community to services.  

“We first approached the team at Special Olympics with excitement about sharing the upcoming games.” says Firstport’s Communications and Engagement Manager Victoria Rose. 

“We had plenty of questions and soon realised there could be a way we could connect our approach to supporting our community, to the mission of the Special Olympics New Zealand team. The idea of a focused info hub was born.” 

“Because of our name, people sometimes mistakenly think Special Olympics is only for Olympic-level athletes, when in fact we are a community-based movement open to all,” says Special Olympics New Zealand CEO Fran Scholey. 

“We hope people see the information on Firstport and understand that Special Olympics is really about creating opportunities, building athletes’ skills and confidence, and creating fun, inclusive environments.” 

The Firstport x Special Olympics Hub includes content to take the visitor from awareness to expert, including: 

• Navigating Special Olympics from finding your club to travelling around the world.  

• The sports and healthy athletes programme explained 

• The innovations New Zealanders have brought to the game. 

“We’re delighted to see the passion the Firstport team bring to making information and advice about the amazing world of Special Olympics available to new audiences and athletes from our intellectually disabled community.” says Fran. 

The team at Firstport are working with the Special Olympics team to continue to grow the Hub over time. The Firstport team will also be on the ground at the National Summer Games, capturing and sharing the stories and successes of the national athletes. 

“We loved attending Special Olympics bocce training and seeing the things they do to create a sports environment that is welcoming, inclusive, and fun no matter someone’s ability.” says Victoria.   

“We hope people see the Special Olympics Hub and come away believing that Special Olympics is ideal for them or someone they care about.” 

Visit the Firstport x Special Olympics Hub at firstport.co.nz/special-olympics