Welcome to Special Olympics Manawatu

"Let me win but if I cannot win let me be brave in the attempt"

"Kia toa ahau. Ki te kore ahau e toa, kia māia ahau ahakoa ka hinga"

Special Olympics Manawatu provides meaningful sport opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities.

We have over 35 coaches and team managers in the Manawatu who offer regular training and competition for 200 athletes in the following sports: 

Athletics, Basketball, Bocce, Bowling/Ten Pin, Football/Soccer, Golf,  Power Lifting, Snow sports including Skiing and Snowboarding, Swimming, Table Tennis.

Athletes are encouraged to be part of the Athlete’s Leadership program (ALPS) and more advanced athletes are invited to join the Global Messenger Program.

Special Olympics offer affordable training to all people over the age of 8 years living with an intellectual disability. Our focus is on sports participation, health, fitness, meaningful competition, and activity encouraging a safe social network and environment.

Special Olympics New Zealand is part of an international organisation with over several million athletes and coaches worldwide. In New Zealand there are 3,500 athletes and 1500 volunteers. Seasonal training is offered weekly/fortnightly in all the 13 different sports offered by Special Olympics New Zealand.

Tier One certificate/ribbon competition: is offered to all athletes who attend regular training and can cope with the travel involved.

Tier Two Regional events: are two day events and are offered to all athletes who can cope with travel & overnight stays.

Tier Three National events: are offered to all athletes who are committed to their sport training and who are keen to compete at this level and who can cope with travel & four to five overnight stays. These happen every four years, both in Summer and Winter sports.

​​​​​​​Athletes who have represented the Manawatu at a National level may be eligible for nomination to represent New Zealand at International competition. 

Tier Four International events: are offered to all athletes who are committed to their sport training and who are keen to compete at this level on the international stage either within Asia Pacific or globally level and who can cope with long haul travel & 25-28 overnight stays.  These happen every four years, both in Summer and Winter sports.

For more information contact either the coordinator or coach of the sport you want to join.

Helen Johnson

Coordinator

027 258 8558 or  06 356 8964

[email protected]

Your Donation is very  much Appreciated. 

Please make any donations by direct credit to:

Special Olympics Manawatu 

Acc #: 03 0626 0632851 01

Reference: Donation and Name

For a Receipt Please Email: [email protected]