Preparations for the 2027 Special Olympics World Summer Games are underway! Coaches have been selected across the seven sports New Zealand athletes can compete in: athletics, basketball, bocce, football, golf, powerlifting and swimming.
Athletics: Brendon Smith (Head Coach), Nigel Cash, Jean Davidson
Basketball: Christina Maitland (Head Coach), Kara Blakiston, Mathew Howe, Katherine Greenaway
Bocce: Logan Amer (Head Coach), Sara Davies
Football: Heather Hepburn (Head Coach), Bryce Reichel, Michelle Carol, Ashley Cash
Golf: Head Coach TBC, Robert Tate
Powerlifting: Adam Mainey (Head Coach), Kiri Hema
Swimming: Shannon Spencer (Head Coach), Amber Midgelow-Marsden
Assistant Staff are Olwyn Humphreys, Nicola Johnsen, Todd Bradley and Melody Taylor.
The coaching team will play an important role in preparing and supporting New Zealand athletes as they build towards the 2027 World Summer Games.
Athlete nominations close Wednesday 30 September 2026.
Congratulations to all our successful coaches, and thank you to everyone who put themselves forward for the opportunity to support New Zealand athletes on the world stage.