Last December, Holly Beynon volunteered at the Special Olympics New Zealand 2025 National Summer Games in Christchurch.
It was her first experience with the Special Olympics New Zealand community.
Less than a year later, Holly is one of the leading individual fundraisers for the 2026 Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge, using the campaign to raise both funds and awareness for a community she says is unlike any other.
What began as one volunteer role has become a lasting connection with Special Olympics New Zealand and a desire to help more people experience the same opportunities.
“I had the privilege of volunteering at the National Summer Games and it was such an incredible experience,” Holly says.
“Seeing the joy, determination and sense of community that Special Olympics creates was something really special.”
After seeing that first-hand, taking part in Polar Plunge felt like a natural next step.
“People plunge into cold water all the time, whether it’s for cold-water swimming or on the shortest day of the year,” Holly says.
“This is a small thing to do for such a deserving community, but it helps create opportunities that can make such a big difference for athletes.”
Discovering the Community
While working in youth sport with Youthtown, Holly was approached by Special Olympics New Zealand to help deliver basketball at the 2025 National Summer Games. Keen to get involved, she volunteered as one of three Technical Directors for basketball.
Her role included briefing coaches each morning, supporting officials, overseeing competition on court and helping ensure the tournament ran smoothly throughout the Games.
While basketball brought Holly to Christchurch, it was the people who left the biggest impression.
“The atmosphere was so warm and welcoming,” she says.
“The athletes, clubs, coaches and volunteers all created an environment where everyone genuinely wanted each other to enjoy being there.”
More Than Competition
For Holly, finals day captured everything that made the Games special.
“There were people everywhere supporting one another,” she says.
“Teams were cheering not only for themselves, but for other teams as well.”
She noticed athletes staying to watch other basketball games after their own competitions had finished, particularly in the 3×3 competition, where athletes came along simply to support others.
She also saw clubs working together to ensure everyone had the opportunity to participate. Where numbers were low, teams combined players, so no one missed out on competing.
While there was plenty of competition on court, there was just as much connection away from it, with athletes spending time together, catching up with friends and celebrating one another’s achievements.
One interaction has stayed with Holly ever since. She met a couple from Otago who had recently been married and were competing at the Games together.
“They were so happy just to be there,” she says.
“You can’t help but feel happy when you’re part of that community.”
Taking the Plunge
When Holly saw this year’s Polar Plunge campaign on Facebook, signing up was an easy decision.
For her, fundraising is about helping more people experience the same sense of opportunity, connection and belonging she witnessed in Christchurch.
Although she’s registered as an individual, Holly has rallied support from friends, colleagues, her local hockey club and the wider community.
She’s also using her fundraising as an opportunity to introduce more people to Special Olympics New Zealand.
“I’ve been talking to people who weren’t familiar with Special Olympics New Zealand or the Polar Plunge,” she says.
“I tell them about the 2025 National Summer Games in Christchurch and what I saw there.”
Those conversations have helped Holly connect the campaign back to the athletes and opportunities behind it.
Small Ideas Can Make a Big Difference
As one of the campaign’s top individual fundraisers, Holly has found that fundraising does not need to be complicated.
Using the QR code available through her Polar Plunge fundraising page, she’s printed copies for her office, shared them with her hockey team and handed them out while talking to potential supporters.
“It’s an easy way for people to donate while you’re having a conversation.”
And for anyone wondering about jumping into icy water, Holly is not too worried.
Having previously snorkelled in Iceland in water temperatures of around minus two degrees Celsius, she has even challenged her supporters to double their donations if she stays in the water for five minutes.
Her advice for others considering taking part is simple.
“Sign up. It’s such a great community event.”
“If taking the plunge isn’t for you, donate if you can. Every bit helps.”
Continuing to Create Opportunities
Today, Holly is Youth Activation Lead at School Sport Canterbury, helping young people discover the benefits of being active through sport and recreation.
She also volunteers as President of her local hockey club and is a passionate advocate for increasing opportunities for women and girls in sport.
School Sport Canterbury is an Affiliate Partner of Special Olympics New Zealand, working alongside Special Olympics New Zealand to create more inclusive sporting opportunities for young people across Canterbury and the West Coast.
For Holly, one decision to volunteer introduced her to a community she wanted to keep supporting.
“It’s a small thing to do,” she says.
“But the impact it has is huge.”
Take the Plunge. Create More Opportunities.
Every dollar raised through the Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge helps create sporting opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities across Aotearoa New Zealand.
By signing up, donating or sharing the campaign, you’ll help more athletes participate, build confidence, make friends and experience the sense of belonging Holly saw first-hand at the National Summer Games.
The plunge lasts a moment. The impact lasts a lifetime.
Find out more about the Polar Plunge:
Find out more about our Affiliate Partnership with School Sport Canterbury: