A Sporting Chance: NZCT Backs Special Olympics With $250,000 Grant
The National Summer Games are more than just a sporting event theyre a celebration of ability, determination, and community. Grants like this wouldnt be possible without the responsible gaming partnerships we share with our local venues, says …
New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) has awarded a grant of $250,000 to Special Olympics New Zealand to fund event costs for the National Summer Games (NSG)— making it possible for more athletes with an intellectual disability to take part in what is to be the largest-ever iteration of the NSG this December in Christchurch.
Mark Davies, Special Olympics New Zealand's Finance and Funding Manager, says the funding comes at a crucial time. 'Special Olympics operates within a four-year cycle, the pinnacle event of which is our National Summer Games. This year, from 10-14 December, 1,400 athletes plus 450 coaches and support workers will arrive in Christchurch to participate in the Games.
'Our athletes spend years qualifying for these Games by attending local and regional events that test their capacity to travel, compete, and stay away from home independently. Over the past few years, our qualifying events have seen a significant increase in participation and we're on track for the largest National Summer Games in history.
'From the moment team members arrive in Christchurch, we take care of all their needs, including (but not limited to) transport, accommodation, health screenings, meals, and scheduling. A significant part of this generous grant from NZCT will be used for transporting our athletes from their accommodations to (and between) different events.'
This year's Games will feature ten sports across seven venues, including athletics, swimming, football, basketball, golf, equestrian, indoor bowling, ten pin bowling, bocce, and power lifting. Over 700 volunteers will help make it all happen — from running events to ensuring medical support is on hand. Special Olympics requires a 1:4 coach-to-athlete ratio to ensure all athletes receive the right level of care and support.
Athlete Leader Ryan says, 'I enjoy the National Summer Games because there isn't the same level of pressure that you get in mainstream sport. It's all about smiles and everyone having fun.' Fellow Athlete Leader Chrissa says, 'For the first time in my life, I realised that those with disabilities can still hold strong opinions and compete enthusiastically, just like everyone else.' Athlete Leader Shanae, adds'Because of the Special Olympics programme, I was able to participate in sports for the first time ever when I was fifteen years old.'
NZCT's GM of Grants, Marketing and Communications, Ben Hodges, says, ''We're proud to support Special Olympics New Zealand in delivering such a meaningful and inclusive event. The National Summer Games are more than just a sporting event — they're a celebration of ability, determination, and community. Grants like this wouldn't be possible without the responsible gaming partnerships we share with our local venues.'
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'When her results in surf swims and leading role in R & R [rescue and resuscitation] are taken into consideration, she won 14 New Zealand titles and was placed second or third in 24 other events. 'Add to that her encouragement and coaching of young women competitors on top of personal training, a career as a policewoman promoted to sergeant and the onset of motherhood in the mid-90s. The mind boggles at how Liz could juggle so many facets in her life and remain a top competitor.' The other four in Glover's shortlist were Bruce Adams, Grant Bramwell, Alan Thompson and Barry McLean, with McLean getting the author's nod as Waikanae 'Lifeguard of the Century'. Liz Blencowe married Alan Thompson in 1991. Outspoken and driven, Olympic double gold-medallist Thompson could be a handful for officialdom, but Blencowe was a world-class athlete in her own right and they met on equal terms. 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'I came to Gisborne at the end of '82. I had got to know Alan and the rest of the group. Not a lot was happening in the way of squad for me to train with in Melbourne [her base at the time]. I wanted a fresh outlook. I could have gone to Hungary, but I didn't speak the language, and getting into Hungary was a bit iffy at the time.' It came down to Canada or New Zealand, and Alan was a 'big factor' in her choice to come to Gisborne. Liz Thompson has her game face on, racing for Waikanae Surf Life Saving Club in a surf ski event during her competitive heyday. She returned to Australia for the selection trials for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics and was the only woman picked to paddle for Australia at the Games. Women competing in individual events then had only a 500m race in Olympic kayak sprint racing and Liz finished eighth in the final. Back in Gisborne, Alan was keen to have Liz as part of a women's programme. 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Covid restrictions meant the games kept having to be postponed, eventually running in December 2022. This year, Freemasons Northland decided to help local athletes with the high cost of getting to Christchurch. The Kerikeri Lodge led the funding for Special Olympics Bay of Islands, and various lodges also helped fundraise for Special Olympics Whangārei, Cooper said. The Freemasons Charity of New Zealand also stepped in, resulting in $12,000 for the Bay of Islands athletes and $15,000 for the Whangārei athletes. For the Bay of Islands, the sponsorship will go a long way in reducing financial barriers, said team manager and chairwoman Suzy Newhouse. The swim club covered the area from Kawakawa to Cape Reinga, and it would cost $37,000 to send the team of 13 swimmers and support crew to Christchurch. Julia Plant is Special Olympics Whangārei assistant swimming coach. She had to stop swimming due to an injury but shares her knowledge with fellow athletes. Newhouse said the event would be life-changing and, for four of the swimmers, it would be their first trip away from home without their whānau. 'Our athletes come from one of the poorest areas in the country and are challenged, not only financially, but also in their ability to participate in healthy activity, form friendships, and gain a sense of belonging and achievement. 'People with intellectual disabilities have few opportunities to achieve their full potential and, by supporting the Special Olympics, we have proven that our team members can go on to gain full employment, participate in mainstream activities with confidence, and show they are no different to anyone else.' Martin Barrie, chairman of the Whangārei club, agreed that Special Olympics could be life-changing, instilling self-esteem and pride in the athletes. 'The national games are incredible - we celebrate every single person, whether they come in first or last.' Athletes from Special Olympics Bay of Islands won plenty of medals at the nationals in Hamilton in 2022 and 13 will compete in swimming again this year. Special Olympics Whangārei was led by athletes for the athletes, with many stepping up into coaching or managerial roles, he said. The club is sending 26 athletes from Whangārei and Kaipara to the nationals, competing in swimming, tenpin bowling, indoor bowls and athletics. Barrie said it would cost $86,000 to send the athletes and supporters to the nationals, with the Freemasons' support being a great start. The club's next fundraiser will be a country music concert at Kamo Club on July 27, featuring duo Annette and Kim, singer Dennis Marsh and a haka performance by some of the athletes. Tickets are available through Kamo Club. Denise Piper is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on health and business. She has more than 20 years in journalism and is passionate about covering stories that make a difference.
