Games - again

One year until the Special Olympics National Summer Games - again!

On Wednesday 8 December 2021, over 1500 athletes and 600 volunteers planned to descend on Hamilton for the Freemasons New Zealand Special Olympics National Summer Games (the Games). Following a 4-year cycle similar to the Olympics and Paralympics, the National Summer Games is Special Olympics New Zealand’s (SONZ) largest national event and one of New Zealand’s largest multisport events. However, postponed for a year due to COVID-19 in late September, SONZ instead once again started up the countdown clock for one year to go until the Games, which will now be held 8-12 December 2022. While the Games are now a year later, the dates, eight venues, ten sports, opening and closing ceremonies, Healthy Athletes’ programme, and 5-day schedule will remain the same.

Despite being sad at the postponement, the extra year does have some positives! For Horowhenua athlete Eru Whakatihi, the chance to get more training in means he and his team will be more prepared for Hamilton. “I do basketball for my main sport. My coach, they’re really, really good for getting up our skill and confidence for the Games next year. “I feel excited, because since the COVID and lockdowns, we can’t play sports. It’ll be nice to bring all the players to Hamilton.” Other advantages of the extra year include the chance for more athletes to qualify for the Games with more qualifying events being allowed to run, and the chance to hold the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) across Aotearoa. Wellington Athlete Michael Holdsworth was the official athlete lighter of the flame at the 2017 National Summer Games, and can’t wait to return to the Games in 2022. “I’ve been involved with Special Olympics for 32 years and I’m very excited to have these Games, they’re fantastic, excellent, and I hope there will be a lot of people there.” Eru similarly says that despite the extra year his enthusiasm hasn’t dimmed. “I am really excited, can’t wait to go to the National Summer Games, to get up there and do our part, with other athletes, family, friends, and coaches and managers.” So #BringOn2022! We can’t wait to start getting excited – again - for the National Summer Games. See you there!

Right: Michael Holdsworth helps to light the flame for the 2017 National Games