What we do

Special Olympics changes lives. Special Olympics New Zealand is first and foremost a sports organisation for people with an intellectual disability, but it provides athletes with far more than the physical benefits of sport.

Young Athletes Pilot Project

Host Named for 2023 Special Olympics World Summer Games

Get involved

Developing physical fitness is more likely to happen with the help of someone who cares. Learn about how you can make a difference by being a volunteer.

Ways to give

Help a child or adult with an intellectual disability experience the joy of competition, the thrill of achievement and the long-term benefits of physical activity.

New Health Guide Resource Released

The NZ edition of the Special Olympics Fit Five guide. This ‘guide’ has been edited for NZ athletes, in conjunction with advice from the Ministry of Health, the Heart Foundation of NZ and Healthy Families Lower Hutt. The ‘guide’ aligns with NZ health messaging and the resource section is packed with websites to visit which have more information about healthy eating, water as the drink of choice and movement. We expect this to provide huge value to coaches, clubs, families and residential providers in your support for athletes. As for all of us, adopting lifestyle changes which help us to be more active and well in our everyday lives is positive.

This initiative has been in development for some time and we are grateful to Monica and Kristin from Special Olympics International who have collaborated with our Rachel Clarke on this project. Especial thanks to Ami Wallis – Victoria University architecture student for editing our NZ version and to Maddie Hagerman graphic designer for Special Olympics International who has assisted us in the re-editing and production of the final version.

Click here to download the Fit five guide