National Games

There are two kinds of National Games. The Special Olympics New Zealand National Summer Games and the Special Olympics New Zealand National Winter Games. Both are held every four years. They are held on an alternating two-year schedule. The National Games are multi-day sports competitions held in one location. Athletes gather from around the country to compete in a single chosen sport.

Because National Games are held over a number of days, athletes get to travel away from home and stay in accomodation with their team mates! This is a great oppurtunity for them. Not only do the National Games offer the sporting events, they also offer other activities in addition to sports such as Dinners, Discos and Healthy Athletes.

If an athlete wishes to compete in the World games, they must participate in the National Games.