SWIMMING

Swimming at Rainbow Games 2026 

Join us for a celebration of skill, spirit, and community in the pool! Swimming at Rainbow Games 2026 welcomes players of all identities, levels, and backgrounds to take part in a fun and inclusive tournament across multiple divisions.

Swim your best in the 25m state-of-the-art pool at Hiwa Recreation Centre at the University of Auckland.

​​​​​​​

WAYS TO REGISTER:​​​​​​​

  • Register as an Individual . This will enable you to pick the individual and relay races you will compete in.

DELIVERED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

ABOUT SWIMMING

VENUE

Hiwa Recreation Centre at the University of Auckland – a premium new state-of-the-art facility, located in the heart of Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland

DATES

Thursday 29 October

  • Registration + Opening Ceremony (evening)​​​​​​​

Saturday 31 October

  • All day competition

Sunday 01 November

  • Closing Event (evening)

REGISTRATION COSTS

Registration Fee (Reg + Sport Fee per person)

  • Early Bird: $59 (from 15 February to 15 April 2026

  • Standard: $69 (from 16 April to 16 October 2026)


​​​​​​​Your registration includes access to a full Rainbow Games experience:

  • Ticket to the Opening Ceremony (Thursday 29 October)
  • Ticket to the Closing Event (Sunday 1 November)
  • Access to the arts, culture, and social programme throughout the Games
  • Opportunity to compete for medals and represent your community with pride
  • Player accreditation pass 
  • Your fee includes a contribution to the Rangatahi Legacy Initiative, supporting future generations of LGBTQI+ youth in sport

In addition to the registration fee, players must pay a sport fee to participate in a sport of their choice.

​​​​​​​Swimming Sport Fee : $30 per player


CATEGORIES

The following categories are available:

  • Open 
  • Women and Gender Diverse 

Open (Inclusive of all gender identities and expressions. Anyone can enter this division)

Women and gender diverse (Female-identifying). This category is intended for women, non-binary, trans and gender diverse participants who feel this is the right category for them.


Within each category, you’ll select your division. The divisions are split by age, in line with the standard Masters format used in LGBTQI+ swimming competitions, with categories grouped by decade to support fair and inclusive participation:

  • 18–29
  • 30–39
  • 40–49
  • 50–59
  • 60–69
  • 70–79
  • 80+

You’ll be asked to enter five swimming races in the following formats and distances, alongside entering your expected finishing times to assist with operations. See options below:

  • Freestyle 25m, 50m, 100m, 200m
  • Breaststroke 25m, 50m, 100m
  • Backstroke 25m, 50m, 100m
  • Butterfly 25m, 50m
  • Team Relays 4 x 50m Freestyle, 4 x 50m Medley
  • Individual Medley 100m, 200m
  • Any Stroke 200m

(See FAQs for Programme details)

FAQS

MATCH FORMAT, DRAWS AND SCHEDULE