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Tauranga Special Olympics Team Claims Two Golds, Five Medals at National Summer Games

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, December 14th 2025 at 20:27 GMT by The New Zealand Herald
      Locale: Bay of Plenty, NEW ZEALAND

Tauranga Special Olympics Athletes Thrive at National Summer Games
(NZ Herald – Bay of Plenty Times)

The bright, sun‑kissed streets of Tauranga were buzzing with pride this week as a group of athletes from the local Special Olympics programme marched onto the field of the 2023 New Zealand National Summer Games in Queenstown. In a display that combined determination, skill and sheer joy, Tauranga’s athletes not only competed against the best in the country but also captured hearts and medals – a testament to the power of sport in bringing people together.

The Road to the Games

Special Olympics New Zealand has long championed inclusive sport, and the Tauranga community has been a key contributor to that mission. The article opens with a brief history of the Tauranga Special Olympics programme, tracing its beginnings back to the late 1990s when a small group of dedicated volunteers and parents began offering weekly training sessions to children with intellectual disabilities. Over the years the programme grew, establishing a network of local clubs, a full‑time coach (Jonah Wickham), and a range of support staff including physiotherapists and psychologists.

In the weeks leading up to the Games, the Tauranga team travelled across the Bay of Plenty for a series of training camps. The city’s local sports club, Tauranga Athletics Club, provided access to its state‑of‑the‑art tracks and gym facilities – a partnership that the article credits with giving the athletes a “solid base to build on.” The article also highlights a heart‑warming fundraising campaign spearheaded by the Tauranga High‑School Girls’ Soccer team, which raised over NZ$5,000 to cover travel costs and equipment.

The National Summer Games – Where the Magic Happened

The National Summer Games, held in Queenstown from 4–9 March, featured over 6,000 athletes from 20 provincial teams competing in 26 sports. The Tauranga delegation consisted of 12 athletes (seven women, five men) competing across athletics, swimming, bocce, and archery. While the team was small, the article notes that the athletes carried a large “spirit of the game” – a core principle of Special Olympics that stresses fair play, respect, and friendship.

The Games were broadcast live on NZ Television’s “Sports Highlights” segment, allowing families back home to watch in real‑time. According to the article, the Tauranga team received a standing ovation during the medal ceremony for the 4×100m relay – a historic moment as this was the first time a Tauranga relay team had finished on the podium in the national competition.

Highlights & Medals

The Tauranga athletes captured a total of five medals – two gold, two silver, and one bronze. Below are the standout performances:

The article points out that the gold medals in Athletics and Archery were Tauranga’s first national titles in those disciplines. It also quotes local coach Jonah Wickham: “Every one of these athletes has come a long way. Their determination is what sets them apart.”

Voices from the Community

Parents & Guardians – The article includes an emotional segment featuring the parents of Megan and Jared. “We’ve seen her grow from a shy child to a confident competitor,” said Megan’s mother, Lila. “It’s all of us, together.” Jared’s father, Paul, added, “Seeing him finish the 200m in a personal best was priceless.”

Special Olympics NZ Representative – The national executive director, Karen Liu, visited Queenstown and praised the Tauranga team: “The level of dedication from our athletes is an inspiration to everyone involved.” She highlighted how the Tauranga programme’s inclusive model could serve as a template for other provinces.

Local Business Support – A link in the article directed readers to the Tauranga City Council’s “Sports and Wellness Fund” page, which explains how local businesses and government entities collaborate to support Special Olympics initiatives. The council’s Chief Sport Officer, Michael Santos, lauded the athletes: “They exemplify the resilience of our community.”

The Impact Beyond the Track

Beyond medals, the article underscores the broader significance of the Tauranga team’s participation. Many readers note that the athletes’ presence has helped change public perception of individuals with intellectual disabilities, encouraging greater community involvement in inclusive sports programs.

The article also references a link to the Special Olympics NZ “Summer Games 2023” website, which includes interactive profiles of each athlete. This online platform allows fans to follow the athletes’ progress, read training logs, and engage in virtual cheering sessions. The site’s “Community Impact” section contains a series of short videos featuring interviews with local volunteers and testimonials from schools that have integrated Special Olympics values into their curriculum.

Looking Forward

The concluding section of the article highlights next steps for the Tauranga team. While celebrating their recent successes, the athletes have set ambitious goals for the upcoming Winter Games and are already preparing for the 2024 Special Olympics World Games in Birmingham, USA.

The article closes with an uplifting message from Tauranga’s mayor, Sarah Lee: “Today, our athletes showed that greatness knows no boundaries. We are proud of them, and we will continue to support them in every way possible.”

Key Takeaways

1. Strong Community Foundations – The success of Tauranga’s athletes is built on decades of volunteer work, local club partnerships, and municipal support.
2. Medal‑Winning Performances – Five medals, including two golds, underscore the high level of competition and skill.
3. Inspiring Stories – Personal triumphs and parental pride demonstrate the transformative power of inclusive sport.
4. Broader Impact – The games have helped shift societal attitudes, encouraging wider participation and understanding.
5. Future Aspirations – The team is already eyeing international competitions, signalling an exciting future for Tauranga Special Olympics.

The article, while celebrating the achievements, ultimately serves as a reminder that the true victory lies in perseverance, community, and the universal language of sport.