Before joining Special Olympics New Zealand, Nathan had never played basketball competitively.
More than a decade later, he has represented New Zealand at the 2023 Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, discovered a passion for basketball, started coaching a school basketball team, and formed lasting friendships through Special Olympics that extend well beyond his local club.
It all started with swimming.
When Nathan was in his twenties, his mum, Corina, began looking for ways to help him stay active, meet new people and be part of a community. That’s when she discovered Special Olympics New Zealand.
Nathan joined the Canterbury swimming programme and, about a year later, a basketball coach spotted his height during a fundraising event and encouraged him to give basketball a go.
“I just love my basketball now,” Nathan says.
Basketball soon became much more than a sport. It gave Nathan the confidence to challenge himself, build lasting friendships and eventually fulfil another dream.
“It’s been my dream to coach,” Nathan says. “Now I get to help coach while I’m still playing and share my experiences to help others.”
Today, coaching gives Nathan the chance to support other athletes while continuing to play the sport he loves.
For Corina, watching Nathan’s confidence grow has been one of the most rewarding parts of their family’s Special Olympics journey.
“I hadn’t heard of Special Olympics New Zealand before then,” she says.
Today, Corina is pleased that more young people can begin their Special Olympics journey through programmes that introduce children and families to inclusive sport from an early age and through school, helping them build confidence, friendships and skills before joining a club.
For both of them, however, the biggest impact isn’t measured by medals or competitions.
“It’s not just about the sport,” Corina says.
“It’s the friendships, the connections and feeling like you’re part of something.”
Those connections now extend across Canterbury and throughout New Zealand, with athletes reconnecting at ribbon days, regional competitions and National Summer Games.
As Basketball Coordinator for Special Olympics Canterbury, Corina sees firsthand the difference participating in sport makes for athletes.
“They build friendships, become part of a team and have fun,” she says.
She also knows just what it takes to make experiences like these possible, alongside the dedication of volunteers.
Equipment, uniforms, venue hire, travel and accommodation all come at a cost. For some athletes, club subscriptions can become a barrier to participating.
“Without the support, some athletes may not be able to play because they simply couldn’t afford it,” Corina says.
“Fundraising helps people be part of a team, travel to competitions and experience opportunities they otherwise might miss.”
Last year’s 2025 National Summer Games in Christchurch highlighted just how important that support can be. Because the Games were held close to home, Canterbury was able to send three basketball teams instead of one, giving more athletes the chance to experience the event.
Nathan’s story reflects what Special Olympics New Zealand is all about – helping people build confidence, pursue new passions, develop leadership and become part of a community where they are encouraged to grow.
This July, Nathan and Corina will join their Polar Plunge team, the Canterbury Coolstars, to help raise funds and create more sporting opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Fifty per cent of funds raised by the Canterbury Coolstars team will go to Special Olympics Canterbury, helping more local athletes access the same opportunities Nathan has enjoyed, while the remaining funds support Special Olympics New Zealand programmes nationwide.
Nathan and Corina hope people will get behind the Canterbury Coolstars so more local athletes can experience the same sense of belonging, confidence and opportunity that has shaped Nathan’s journey.
Take the Plunge. Be Part of Something Special.
Nathan’s story shows what’s possible when people are given the opportunity to participate. By taking the plunge or making a donation, you’ll help more people with intellectual disabilities build confidence, make lifelong friendships and see where sport can take them – whether that’s representing New Zealand, becoming a coach or simply finding a place to belong.
The plunge lasts a moment. The impact lasts a lifetime.