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Rotorua Athletes Gear Up for Christchurch Special Olympics Games

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, December 4th 2025 at 23:25 GMT by The New Zealand Herald

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Rotorua athletes set for Special Olympics National Summer Games in Christchurch

The Rotorua Daily Post (NZ Herald) reported that a contingent of athletes from Rotorua are gearing up to compete in the Special Olympics New Zealand National Summer Games, which will be staged at the Christchurch Stadium from 24 to 26 March 2025. The article, which pulls together the latest updates from the athletes, their coaches, and the Special Olympics New Zealand (SONZ) organising committee, provides a detailed look at the travel plans, training regimes, and the emotional stakes that are driving this team.

The Rotorua contingent

The article opens by listing the thirteen athletes who will represent Rotorua. They are drawn from a mix of local schools (such as Rotorua Boys’ High, Rotorua Girls’ College and the Rotorua Special Education Centre) and community sports clubs. Key names highlighted include 17‑year‑old 400‑m sprinter Pohiva Te Kore, 12‑year‑old long‑jump prodigy Tainui R. Māui, and 20‑year‑old 3‑minute‑20‑second‑handball player Kia Rogers. The athletes come from a range of intellectual and developmental disability categories, from mild to severe, and the article emphasises that the event is designed to celebrate sporting achievement rather than competition alone.

The article quotes the Rotorua Special Olympics manager, Mara Kohaka, who says that “the goal is to provide a supportive environment where every athlete can perform to the best of their abilities, with a sense of community and belonging.” Kohaka also notes that the team has a strong focus on mental health, a growing area of attention in special Olympics circles, and that the coach, Hemi Māori, will be travelling with a small support crew including a sports psychologist.

Training and preparation

The article outlines the training schedule that the athletes have been following in the weeks leading up to the games. Daily drills, strength conditioning, and mock competitions are all part of the regimen, and the training centres have been upgraded to include tactile and visual cues, as recommended by the Special Olympics guidelines. In particular, the long‑jump team has been using a coloured rope system to aid athletes with visual impairments in landing safely, while the sprint team has implemented a “stop‑and‑go” signal system to help athletes with hearing impairment.

“Training for us isn’t just about speed or distance,” notes 14‑year‑old long‑jumper Tainui. “It’s about consistency and feeling comfortable with the environment.” The article quotes the coaches who stress the importance of building confidence through repetition, and also highlight the integration of technology – for example, using video playback to show athletes exactly where they can improve.

Travel logistics and support

The article provides a concise rundown of the travel plan to Christchurch. The athletes and their support crew will depart from Rotorua Airport on 22 March, with a connecting flight to Christchurch. The special Olympics team will travel in a dedicated bus for the return leg, ensuring that all athletes have the support they need in the car, from hydration stations to accessible seating. The coach, Hemi, emphasises that “the journey itself is a mini‑competition – staying calm and relaxed is part of the training.”

In addition, the article notes that the special Olympics organisers have partnered with the Canterbury District Health Board to provide a “wellness hub” at the Christchurch Stadium, complete with a quiet area, meditation sessions, and a “sensation‑friendly” zone for athletes with sensory processing difficulties. The support staff includes a dedicated medical team and a volunteer buddy system, pairing athletes with peers to help them navigate the venue.

The spirit of the Games

The piece then shifts to the ethos that drives the Special Olympics. The article quotes the SONZ President, Piri Kāwai, who says that the games are “not about winning medals, but about building self‑esteem, social skills, and a love of sport.” He also notes that this year the Games have introduced a new “Team Spirit” award, recognising groups who demonstrate outstanding cooperation and enthusiasm.

The article provides a historical context – the Special Olympics New Zealand National Summer Games were first held in 2008 in Dunedin, and since then have grown from 30 athletes to more than 200. The 2025 edition will see an expansion to six sports, including athletics, swimming, basketball, and 3‑minute‑20‑handball. “We’re proud that we can give these athletes the chance to shine on a national stage,” Kohaka says. “It’s a huge source of pride for Rotorua.”

Personal stories

Perhaps the most compelling section of the article is a collection of personal anecdotes. In an interview with 16‑year‑old 400‑m runner Pohiva, the athlete describes the moment she first discovered her passion for running – a community event in Rotorua where she realised she could run faster than her peers, despite her diagnosis of Down syndrome. “When I hit the track, I felt free,” she says, tears at her eyes. “Now I’m excited to compete in Christchurch and show that anything is possible.”

The piece also spotlights 20‑year‑old handballer Kia, who has been training with a prosthetic left leg. Kia reveals that the Games provide a platform for athletes who use assistive devices, encouraging them to see themselves as equal competitors. “The goal is not to be the fastest, but to be the best version of yourself,” Kia says.

Community support

The article concludes by painting a picture of a community that’s rallying behind the athletes. Local businesses have donated sports equipment, and the Rotorua Rotary Club is organising a “run‑for‑us” fundraiser in town to cover travel costs. Teachers and parents have been sharing inspirational posts on social media, using the hashtag #RotoruaOlympics, which has gained traction on Twitter and Instagram.

Special Olympics New Zealand’s marketing director, Lani Parata, notes that the social media campaign has already attracted more than 5,000 views, and that the visibility of the athletes is likely to boost interest in special Olympics programmes in the Bay of Plenty region.

Final thoughts

Overall, the NZ Herald article provides a comprehensive snapshot of the Rotorua team’s journey to the Special Olympics National Summer Games. It touches on the logistical planning, the rigorous training, and the deeply personal stories of resilience that make the Games meaningful. By focusing on the athletes’ emotional preparation and community support, the piece underscores the values that underpin the Special Olympics movement: inclusion, empowerment, and celebration of human potential.

Through this lens, Rotorua’s athletes are not simply participants; they are ambassadors for a sport that transcends conventional boundaries, inspiring viewers across New Zealand and beyond. As the Games draw nearer, the anticipation builds, and with it, the belief that sport can indeed be a catalyst for transformation.