Volunteers needed for Special Olympics in Christchurch

Tuesday, 15 July 2025

Hundreds of volunteers are needed to help Christchurch host the Special Olympics National Summer Games.

Organisers have fewer than half the 650 volunteers needed for the event in December with roles including volunteer referees and marshals, clinicians and sports crews for venues, transport, and ceremonies.

New Zealand’s fastest man, Tiaan Whelpton, a national sprinter and official ambassador for the games, is encouraging everyone to get involved either as a volunteer or spectator.

“Events like this rely heavily on volunteers for various roles.

“It's important to remember that for these athletes, this could very well be the pinnacle event of their sporting career, so please come down and support and cheer them on.”

Whelpton said it was an honour to be an ambassador for the Summer Games. “It's really cool to be a part of something so special and I love that the event is taking place on my home track, Ngā Puna Wai, which is where I do most of my training.”

The Games gave athletes the chance to be celebrated for who they are. “I believe everyone should have the chance to experience [sport], no matter their background or ability.”

The Summer Games run from December 10-15 with about 1500 athletes, aged 15 to 70 across 10 sports: football, swimming, equestrian, basketball, powerlifting, tenpin bowling, athletics, bocce, indoor bowls, and golf.

It is the first time since 2005 that Christchurch has hosted the national games. They will be held across six venues including Ngā Puna Wai, Cowles Stadium, and the yet-to-be-opened Parakiore Recreation and Sports Centre.

Christchurch mayor Phil Mauger said: “This will be the first major sports event across multiple venues to be held in Christchurch for over a decade.

“We can’t wait to experience the excitement these games will bring to Christchurch.”

Special Olympics events director Liz Fitzgerald said organisers were confident Parakiore would be ready, but backup plans were also in place.

She said the success of the games hinged on volunteers. “We couldn’t run these events without them.”

Sylvia Cooper has been volunteering with Special Olympics for nearly 30 years, since her son Steven began tenpin bowling. “When my husband passed away in 1996, I started taking Steven to training every weekend, and I just really love doing it,” she said.

“Its been a lifesaver for me.”

Steven, now in his 40s, still competes and will be bowling at this year’s games.