Mike Ryan

In addition to being the Special Olympics New Zealand National Sports & Coaching Director,  Mike is a Regional and Global Trainer within Special Olympics Asia-Pacific and has recently been appointed as the Technical Delegate for bocce for the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Greece. He held the same position in 2007.

Mike is a big supporter of Special Olympics and has been involved with his local Manawatu club for 25 years, during which time he has held positions ranging from sports coach to Chairperson. 

Mike was born and raised in Palmerston North and has never left, although he has attended five Special Olympics World Games as a volunteer/parent. He’s been married to Lyn for 35 years and they have four children (three of whom are Special Olympics athletes) and three grandchildren. He has also been involved with 'Parent to Parent' an organisation that provides support to other parents with intellectually disabled children.

In his spare time Mike loves to play sport with his sons that is on a bike, a ski field or a golf course. If Mike’s not playing sport then he is supporting his sons and grandkids at their many sporting activities.