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From 10–14 December, Ōtautahi Christchurch hosted around 1,200 athletes at the 2025 Special Olympics New Zealand National Summer Games. Venues such as Parakiore welcomed competitors from across the country to take part in athletics, swimming, basketball, and other sports.

In swimming, athletes focused on improving times and technique, with many achieving personal bests. On the athletics track and field, runners, jumpers, and throwers set themselves new goals, whether completing a distance for the first time or improving previous performances. Across all events, the emphasis was on participation, effort, and progress.

Team sports, including basketball, highlighted collaboration, communication, and enjoyment of competition. While medals were part of the experience, the Games’ true value was in the shared achievements, camaraderie, and personal milestones.

For local athletes, competing nationally offered a chance to challenge themselves, to connect with peers from across New Zealand, and to celebrate progress. From Parakiore to other venues around the city, the 2025 Games showcased inclusion, participation, and personal achievement, leaving lasting memories and inspiring athletes to continue striving toward their goals.

See more news and photos from the Special Olympics in The Press.