Special Olympics National Summer Games
Over nine days of exciting competition, thousands of athletes with intellectual disabilities come together to showcase their skills and passion for winter sports!
Location(s): Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Canterbury, Chatham Islands, Gisborne, Hawke's Bay, Manawatū-Whanganui, Marlborough, Nelson, Northland, Otago, Southland, Taranaki, Tasman, Waikato, Wellington, West Coast
Website: Event website
Upcoming session(s)
10 DEC
All day
11 DEC
All day
12 DEC
All day
13 DEC
All day
14 DEC
All day
Special Olympics is an organisation which runs a whole lot of different sports that are accessible. They focus particularly on people with intellectual disabilities but also have options for family, friends, and support people to take part.
Over 170 countries have Special Olympics programmes and competitions, with sports ranging from athletics and golf, to ten pin bowling and skiing.
Special Olympics focuses on inclusion and participation. Even though the word ‘Olympics’ is in the name, Special Olympics isn’t about elite competition. It’s about giving our community with intellectual disabilities opportunities to be active in inclusive environments and build friendships.
Everyone who works in Special Olympics is focused on supporting and celebrating what the athletes can do, not what they can’t do.
National Summer Games
The 2025 National Summer Games will take place in Ōtautahi Christchurch from Wednesday 10 to Sunday 14 December1.
The event is a major national celebration of inclusion, courage, and athletic achievement.
Athletes: Approximately 1,350–1,400 athletes will participate.
Sports: 11 disciplines including athletics, basketball, bocce, equestrian, football, golf, indoor bowls, powerlifting, swimming, and tenpin bowling.
Venues: Events will be held across seven venues, including the new Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre for swimming and basketball.
The Games begin with an opening ceremony and conclude with a closing ceremony, dinner, and disco, fostering community and celebration.
Special Olympics New Zealand’s mission is to enrich the lives of people with intellectual disabilities through sport. Their vision is for these individuals to be valued members of Aotearoa. The Games are not just about competition—they’re about friendship, visibility, and empowerment
Healthy Athletes Programme
Running daily during the Games, this initiative provides basic health screenings and services to athletes.
Contact details
Telephone: (+64) 4 560 0360
Email: admin@specialolympics.org.nz
Venue
Christchurch