Special Olympics New Zealand is proud to announce that the 2025 National Summer Games has been named a finalist in the Community or Not-for-Profit Event of the Year (Under 3,000 Participants) category at the New Zealand Events Association (NZEA) Awards 2026.
The nomination recognises the success and significance of the 2025 National Summer Games, held in Ōtautahi Christchurch in December 2025.
As New Zealand’s largest inclusive sporting event, the Games brought together more than 1,200 athletes from 42 clubs across Aotearoa, alongside coaches, volunteers, officials, supporters and whānau, for five days of competition, celebration and connection.
The National Summer Games celebrates the achievements of athletes with intellectual disabilities while highlighting the power of inclusion, connection and community. The 2025 Games also helped raise awareness of Special Olympics New Zealand and the role sport can play in building confidence, friendships, leadership and belonging.
The announcement follows another incredible achievement. In May 2026, Special Olympics New Zealand and the 2025 National Summer Games were recognised at the Sport Canterbury Sport and Recreation Awards, receiving the Outstanding Contribution to Sport and Recreation Award.
Together, these acknowledgements reflect the success of the Games and the many people who helped make them possible.
“A huge congratulations once again to everyone whose contributions helped make the 2025 National Summer Games such a success,” says Special Olympics New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Fran Scholey. “We’re proud to see the Games recognised nationally and to celebrate the athletes and wider community that made the event possible.”
A special mention to all our volunteers that made it possible, our Premier Partner – Freemasons NZ, Presenting Partner – Novus NZ, supported by MediaWorks and to all our Funding Partners – NZCT, Pelorus Trust, Grassroots, Pub Charity, Aotearoa Gaming Trust and Kiwi Gaming Foundation.
The NZEA Awards winners will be announced on 5 August 2026.
Help Create More Opportunities Through the Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge
The National Summer Games takes place every four years, yet the impact of Special Olympics New Zealand is felt every day through local clubs, competitions, leadership programmes and community activities across Aotearoa.
As a charity, we rely on the support of funders, partners, donors and fundraising initiatives to help make this possible. That’s why fundraising events like the Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge are so important.
As Special Olympics New Zealand’s largest annual fundraising event, the Polar Plunge helps more people access the life-changing benefits of sport, inclusion and belonging.
The plunge lasts a moment. The impact lasts a lifetime.
Take the Plunge. Be Part of Something Special.
