Latest news with #SpecialOlympicsNewZealand
Scoop
17-06-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Sprinter Calls For Volunteers To Help At Special Olympics
Tiaan Whelpton, who graduated from Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science, is now a record-breaking professional sprinter and an ambassador for the upcoming Special Olympics New Zealand 2025 National Summer Games. The 25-year-old, who earlier this year broke the record for the fastest 100m time clocked by a Kiwi runner on a New Zealand track, is currently competing in athletics competitions in Europe. But he's keen to encourage people back home – including UC staff and students - to volunteer for the National Summer Games, which will be held in Christchurch from December 10 to 14. The athletes taking part range in age from 14 to their 70s – all with an intellectual disability. 'Sport is obviously a big part of my life and it's a wonderful thing that, in my mind, everyone should be part of. It shouldn't be limited to a certain group of people,' Whelpton says. 'For everyone who wants to come down and volunteer I think it will be a really good time and they'll have the best seats in the house. This could be the pinnacle event for these athletes in their entire lives, so it's only fair to make sure they get all the support they need to make it a real success. I know UC students are really great at volunteering with one in three taking part in some kind of voluntary work.' UC is working alongside Special Olympics New Zealand (SONZ) for the summer games, providing accommodation in its halls of residence for over 1300 athletes, coaches and support staff, and hosting a games village on campus. Whelpton has already met some of the Canterbury-based athletes who will be competing in the games, which are held every four years. 'It's pretty cool – there's a whole bunch of different athletes and sports. It's a melting pot of different personalities, so I'm excited to see how it turns out. 'I also think it's amazing that we're holding such a big event in Christchurch. I know it's going to be great fun and I'm looking forward to it.' SONZ Chief Executive Fran Scholey says the support from sports people like Tiaan, and the other ambassadors, helps showcase the incredible achievements of Special Olympics athletes, clubs and team management. 'It's no small feat to prepare for games of this scale and we are incredibly grateful to Tiaan – who is a real advocate for inclusion.' Whelpton is hoping to break the New Zealand men's international record 100m time of 10.08 seconds during his European athletics season. He's already achieved 10.10 seconds, so he's within a tantalising two-one-hundredths of a second of reaching his goal. 'I'm feeling pretty good, we've had some good numbers in the gym and on the track, I've got the New Zealand record to break now. I think I haven't run by best time yet this season, so I'm very excited to get back on the track,' he says. The Special Olympics New Zealand National Summer Games will draw athletes from 42 clubs across New Zealand. The games, which include opening and closing ceremonies, are being held at sporting facilities across Christchurch, including Ngā Puna Wai Sports Hub and the new Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre. Over 650 volunteers are needed to help out at the upcoming games, with roles including helping at medal ceremonies, sport management and photography. Visit here to find out more and sign up as a 2025 National Summer Games volunteer.
Scoop
30-05-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
A Sporting Chance: NZCT Backs Special Olympics With $250,000 Grant
Press Release – NZCT The National Summer Games are more than just a sporting event theyre a celebration of ability, determination, and community. Grants like this wouldnt be possible without the responsible gaming partnerships we share with our local venues, says … New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) has awarded a grant of $250,000 to Special Olympics New Zealand to fund event costs for the National Summer Games (NSG)— making it possible for more athletes with an intellectual disability to take part in what is to be the largest-ever iteration of the NSG this December in Christchurch. Mark Davies, Special Olympics New Zealand's Finance and Funding Manager, says the funding comes at a crucial time. 'Special Olympics operates within a four-year cycle, the pinnacle event of which is our National Summer Games. This year, from 10-14 December, 1,400 athletes plus 450 coaches and support workers will arrive in Christchurch to participate in the Games. 'Our athletes spend years qualifying for these Games by attending local and regional events that test their capacity to travel, compete, and stay away from home independently. Over the past few years, our qualifying events have seen a significant increase in participation and we're on track for the largest National Summer Games in history. 'From the moment team members arrive in Christchurch, we take care of all their needs, including (but not limited to) transport, accommodation, health screenings, meals, and scheduling. A significant part of this generous grant from NZCT will be used for transporting our athletes from their accommodations to (and between) different events.' This year's Games will feature ten sports across seven venues, including athletics, swimming, football, basketball, golf, equestrian, indoor bowling, ten pin bowling, bocce, and power lifting. Over 700 volunteers will help make it all happen — from running events to ensuring medical support is on hand. Special Olympics requires a 1:4 coach-to-athlete ratio to ensure all athletes receive the right level of care and support. Athlete Leader Ryan says, 'I enjoy the National Summer Games because there isn't the same level of pressure that you get in mainstream sport. It's all about smiles and everyone having fun.' Fellow Athlete Leader Chrissa says, 'For the first time in my life, I realised that those with disabilities can still hold strong opinions and compete enthusiastically, just like everyone else.' Athlete Leader Shanae, adds'Because of the Special Olympics programme, I was able to participate in sports for the first time ever when I was fifteen years old.' NZCT's GM of Grants, Marketing and Communications, Ben Hodges, says, ''We're proud to support Special Olympics New Zealand in delivering such a meaningful and inclusive event. The National Summer Games are more than just a sporting event — they're a celebration of ability, determination, and community. Grants like this wouldn't be possible without the responsible gaming partnerships we share with our local venues.'
Scoop
29-05-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
A Sporting Chance: NZCT Backs Special Olympics With $250,000 Grant
New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) has awarded a grant of $250,000 to Special Olympics New Zealand to fund event costs for the National Summer Games (NSG)— making it possible for more athletes with an intellectual disability to take part in what is to be the largest-ever iteration of the NSG this December in Christchurch. Mark Davies, Special Olympics New Zealand's Finance and Funding Manager, says the funding comes at a crucial time. 'Special Olympics operates within a four-year cycle, the pinnacle event of which is our National Summer Games. This year, from 10-14 December, 1,400 athletes plus 450 coaches and support workers will arrive in Christchurch to participate in the Games. 'Our athletes spend years qualifying for these Games by attending local and regional events that test their capacity to travel, compete, and stay away from home independently. Over the past few years, our qualifying events have seen a significant increase in participation and we're on track for the largest National Summer Games in history. 'From the moment team members arrive in Christchurch, we take care of all their needs, including (but not limited to) transport, accommodation, health screenings, meals, and scheduling. A significant part of this generous grant from NZCT will be used for transporting our athletes from their accommodations to (and between) different events." This year's Games will feature ten sports across seven venues, including athletics, swimming, football, basketball, golf, equestrian, indoor bowling, ten pin bowling, bocce, and power lifting. Over 700 volunteers will help make it all happen — from running events to ensuring medical support is on hand. Special Olympics requires a 1:4 coach-to-athlete ratio to ensure all athletes receive the right level of care and support. Athlete Leader Ryan says, 'I enjoy the National Summer Games because there isn't the same level of pressure that you get in mainstream sport. It's all about smiles and everyone having fun.' Fellow Athlete Leader Chrissa says, 'For the first time in my life, I realised that those with disabilities can still hold strong opinions and compete enthusiastically, just like everyone else.' Athlete Leader Shanae, adds 'Because of the Special Olympics programme, I was able to participate in sports for the first time ever when I was fifteen years old.' NZCT's GM of Grants, Marketing and Communications, Ben Hodges, says, ''We're proud to support Special Olympics New Zealand in delivering such a meaningful and inclusive event. The National Summer Games are more than just a sporting event — they're a celebration of ability, determination, and community. Grants like this wouldn't be possible without the responsible gaming partnerships we share with our local venues.'
Scoop
23-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Special Olympics Marks 200 Day Countdown To National Summer Games
Press Release – Special Olympics NZ Special Olympics Chief Executive Fran Scholey says that Christchurch is working hard to prepare the facilities and her team are ramping up their recruitment drive for the 700 volunteers required to enable the athletes to compete. Special Olympics New Zealand tomorrow, May 24, will mark the 200-day-to-go milestone counting down to the National Summer Games in Christchurch. The National Summer Games, on December 10-14, are the four-yearly pinnacle event for athletes with an intellectual disability with over 1300 athletes and thousands of support crew and family expected to flood the city's new sports facilities. Special Olympics Chief Executive Fran Scholey says that the city is working hard to prepare the facilities and her team are ramping up their recruitment drive for the 700 volunteers required to enable the athletes to compete. 'This is the largest inclusive event in the country and can only happen with the support of our wonderful volunteers,' says Scholey, who adds that the event will need volunteers to look after a variety of roles from transport, accommodation, competition, media and the Healthy Athletes Programme. Scholey is grateful Freemasons New Zealand have again come on board as the Premier Partner for the event and many of its members will again step up in volunteering roles. 'Freemasons New Zealand and the Freemasons Charity are proud to be premier sponsor of the Special Olympics NZ 2025 National Summer Games and Volunteer Programme — a celebration of inclusion, dedication, and community spirit. Our shared values make this partnership truly 'special',' says Chris Thorndcroft – District Grand Master for the Canterbury District. Scholey is heartened by the fact that many corporate businesses are encouraging their staff to use their corporate volunteering days to support the National Summer Games, with Westpac New Zealand one of the first to put their hands up to support the event. Westpac Canterbury Regional Board Chair Leah McIvor says the National Summer Games are a brilliant event and the team is thrilled to help it come to life. 'At Westpac, all staff get two Volunteer Days each year so we thought the Special Olympics would be a great way to use them as a team. It's a great way to support the community, support the athletes, and a great bonding experience for all of us. We can't wait,' says McIvor. Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger is super excited to be welcoming the National Summer Games to his city and the fact that Special Olympics athletes will be enjoying some of the new sports facilities that were built after the 2011 earthquakes. 'I can't wait to get along to some of the events and to show what an amazing host city we are. It's been 20 years since we last hosted this event and I'm sure everyone involved will do a wonderful job,' the Mayor says. Fiona Sawers is the Volunteer Manager for Special Olympics New Zealand, responsible for recruiting, training and overseeing the 700-plus volunteers before and during the event, and says the National Summer Games is an incredibly special event to be a part of. 'Volunteers generously offering their time and energy to help with the running of this event enables our athletes to be supported, so they can feel safe, welcome and able to deliver the best performance of their lives.' Sawers says the athletes have trained very hard for four years for their competition, but coming to an unfamiliar environment can create challenges for the athletes. 'We need local volunteers to help ensure they have a wonderful experience competing, having fun and making new friends.'
Scoop
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Special Olympics Marks 200 Day Countdown To National Summer Games
Special Olympics New Zealand tomorrow, May 24, will mark the 200-day-to-go milestone counting down to the National Summer Games in Christchurch. The National Summer Games, on December 10-14, are the four-yearly pinnacle event for athletes with an intellectual disability with over 1300 athletes and thousands of support crew and family expected to flood the city's new sports facilities. Special Olympics Chief Executive Fran Scholey says that the city is working hard to prepare the facilities and her team are ramping up their recruitment drive for the 700 volunteers required to enable the athletes to compete. 'This is the largest inclusive event in the country and can only happen with the support of our wonderful volunteers,' says Scholey, who adds that the event will need volunteers to look after a variety of roles from transport, accommodation, competition, media and the Healthy Athletes Programme. Scholey is grateful Freemasons New Zealand have again come on board as the Premier Partner for the event and many of its members will again step up in volunteering roles. 'Freemasons New Zealand and the Freemasons Charity are proud to be premier sponsor of the Special Olympics NZ 2025 National Summer Games and Volunteer Programme — a celebration of inclusion, dedication, and community spirit. Our shared values make this partnership truly 'special',' says Chris Thorndcroft - District Grand Master for the Canterbury District. Scholey is heartened by the fact that many corporate businesses are encouraging their staff to use their corporate volunteering days to support the National Summer Games, with Westpac New Zealand one of the first to put their hands up to support the event. Westpac Canterbury Regional Board Chair Leah McIvor says the National Summer Games are a brilliant event and the team is thrilled to help it come to life. 'At Westpac, all staff get two Volunteer Days each year so we thought the Special Olympics would be a great way to use them as a team. It's a great way to support the community, support the athletes, and a great bonding experience for all of us. We can't wait,' says McIvor. Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger is super excited to be welcoming the National Summer Games to his city and the fact that Special Olympics athletes will be enjoying some of the new sports facilities that were built after the 2011 earthquakes. 'I can't wait to get along to some of the events and to show what an amazing host city we are. It's been 20 years since we last hosted this event and I'm sure everyone involved will do a wonderful job,' the Mayor says. Fiona Sawers is the Volunteer Manager for Special Olympics New Zealand, responsible for recruiting, training and overseeing the 700-plus volunteers before and during the event, and says the National Summer Games is an incredibly special event to be a part of. 'Volunteers generously offering their time and energy to help with the running of this event enables our athletes to be supported, so they can feel safe, welcome and able to deliver the best performance of their lives.' Sawers says the athletes have trained very hard for four years for their competition, but coming to an unfamiliar environment can create challenges for the athletes. 'We need local volunteers to help ensure they have a wonderful experience competing, having fun and making new friends.'
