Schools programme

Are you under 21? Do you want to have fun while learning a new physical activity? Do you want to take part in the thrill of competition?

Our national Secondary Schools Programme provides sports training and competition opportunities to athletes under the age of 21.

Currently, there are more than 2000 school-aged athletes participating in our School Programmes. Each term, more schools join our Special Olympics sports programme.  

The sports we offer through the Schools Programme are: athletics, aquatics, basketball, football (soccer) and bowling (tenpin).

Through sport, students learn important skills – like team work and socialising - that are useful in other parts of life.

The School Programme usually involves training in a particular sport for four to six weeks and then participating in a School Ribbon Day. That's where athletes from other Special Olympics School Programmes are invited to compete and have fun. It’s a great way to meet new friends from other schools!

One of the goals of Special Olympics New Zealand is to hook students on Special Olympics sports when they are young. If athletes have opportunities through Special Olympics school sport to develop fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy from an early age it would help open the door to lifelong participation in sport.

Remember: school-aged athletes can belong to both a school programme and a Special Olympics Club.

To find out what schools are involved contact your local Club.