Special Olympics – celebrating Summer Games and e-learning
IHC wants to congratulate Special Olympics as it heads towards it 2025 Summer Games in Christchurch.
The Special Olympics New Zealand 2025 National Summer Games is New Zealand’s largest celebration of inclusion through sport.
From 10–14 December 2025, more than 1,200 athletes with intellectual disabilities from 42 clubs nationwide will compete in 10 sports across Ōtautahi Christchurch.
Hosted by Special Olympics New Zealand, the Games bring together athletes, families, volunteers, and supporters to celebrate courage, respect, integrity, inclusion, and excellence.
When: 10–14 December 2025
Where: Ōtautahi Christchurch
Sports: Athletics • Basketball • Bocce • Equestrian • Football • Golf • Indoor Bowls • Powerlifting • Swimming • Tenpin Bowling
Attendance is free and to find out more please visit the events programme on the New Zealand Special Olympics New Zealand website
Special Olympics e-learning
Special Olympics have created a new set of Special Olympics NZ foundational eLearning modules now available on Sport Tutor, designed to support inclusive practice in sport, play and active recreation:
Sport Tutor Learning - Special Olympics
Please note you will need to create your own account – you will be able to access a wide range of modules.
The new modules are:
- Te Māramatanga: Understanding Intellectual Disability: This module gives a foundational overview into what intellectual disability is and is intended for anyone new to the sector - coaches, clubs, teachers, volunteers, extended whānau, etc.
- Ta Ara Tākaro: Inclusion in Sport: This module continues on from Te Māramatanga and takes on more of a sporting context. Aimed more at the 'how', it covers removing barriers, sport in Aotearoa and the STEP model.
- Embracing Neurodivergence in Sport: This module explores how coaches, teachers, and volunteers can create inclusive environments that support athletes of all abilities, including those who are neurodivergent.
- Tīmatanga: Coaching Foundation: This module aims to support coaches and coach developers, especially those who are new to coaching athletes with an intellectual disability, with the tools they need to succeed in delivering a successful coaching programme.
