Special Olympics New Zealand
Our Young Athletes Weekend Programmes are returning to the Wellington region for 2024. Join our free and inclusive 5-week programme tailored for children with intellectual disabilities, aged approximately 2-10 years old. Young Athletes introduces children to fundamental motor and sports skills, such as running, kicking, and throwing. Young Athletes also focuses on social skills, helping children interact with each other and […]
Our athletes weren’t just stars in the competition arena during the World Games with many also lighting up our TV screens as they shared their stories on national broadcasts. As well as being regular stars on Morning TV, the teams’ exploits also made it to prime time with Ryan Stewart, Aaron Campbell, Melissa Cash, Lynett […]
As a weather bomb tormented Berlin and threw the Special Olympics World Summer Games in turmoil, the indoor athletes on the bowling alleys, dressage rink and swimming pool continued to lead the way and claiming five more medal for New Zealand. Tenpin bowlers Kristie Sharp and Shanae Dean were the first to pick up their […]
Powerlifter Ryan Stewart from Dunedin was the first New Zealand athlete to claim a medal at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin. The 37-year-old overcame some initial wobbles at the powerlifting cauldron at the enormous Messe convention complex to perform near his best to claim not one, but four silver medals. The final […]
Last Wednesday our World Games team began their journey to Berlin to represent New Zealand at the 2023 World Summer Games. Here are some of the highlights from their trip so far: From there the team set flight to Munich, via Adelaide and Doha. On arrival they were hosted by the city of Garching and […]
The purpose of this summary is to provide transparency on Board matters and provide club members with an overview of our discussion, an update on progress on key initiatives and any other matters of interest to the SONZ community. For the first time the Senior Leadership Team members were invited to attend the Board meeting, […]
Have you thought about making a gift in your Will for the benefit of SONZ? Or perhaps a gift to SONZ in memory of a loved one? Maybe you have items of value such as paintings or jewellery you wish to give now or leave later? Until recently, the primary avenue for such giving […]
Special Olympics New Zealand today named its 40-strong squad for the 2023 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin, which will be held from June 17-25. The team has representatives from clubs around the country, from Southland to Auckland, with strong representations from the Manawatu and greater Wellington areas. “We are really excited for these […]
In August 2022 the Special Olympics New Zealand Foundation was officially launched with a successful event held at the Grand Hall at Parliament Buildings. The Foundation was delighted to have over 70 people in attendance including athletes, their families, SONZ officials and supporters, several special guests including the Mayor of Wellington, Andy Foster and the […]
Message from the CEO Carolyn talks about exciting plans for the National Summer Games and Sport New Zealand’s Strengthen and Adapt project. 100 days until the National Summer Games With 100 days to go we’re on the hunt for 600 volunteers and starting preparations for the Law Enforcement Torch Run. Every athlete wins in Healthy […]