Clubs, schools and transitioning

Whatever your age, there's a way to be involved in Special Olympics New Zealand!

Special Olympics New Zealand is accredited by Special Olympics to run approved programmes in New Zealand. Through an affiliation process, Special Olympics Clubs are tasked with delivering programmes at community level. These programmes are led by volunteers and supported by Regional Sports Coordinators. Clubs are open to anyone with an intellectual disability.

At the school level, Regional Sports Coordinators work with teachers and others to deliver sports to athletes under the age of 21. Those athletes can also join Clubs.

The transition programme helps athletes stay involved in sport as they prepare to leave school.  

Through sport, athletes learn important skills that they can use in other parts of their life – like team work and socialising. Other benefits of sport include:

• Improved health and fitness
• Development of motor skills
• Maintenance of mobility
• Greater self-confidence
• Positive self-image
• Challenge and enjoyment
• Enhanced independence
• Increased social skills
• Achieving and gaining recognition
• Thrill of competition

• Clubs
  
  There are 43 active Special Olympics Clubs in New Zealand.
• Schools programme
  
  The schools programme provides training and competition to athletes under the age of 21.
• Transitions programme
  
  Leaving school is a big deal. The transition programme helps athletes make the change.