Thousands of Special Olympics athletes, coaches, families, and fans will converge on Christchurch in one year for the National Summer Games, returning to the city for the first time in two decades.

Set to take place from 10–14 December 2025, the National Summer Games is New Zealand’s premier event for athletes with intellectual disabilities.

Over 1,400 athletes, along with their coaches and support teams, will compete in the country’s largest inclusive sports event.

Special Olympics New Zealand Chief Executive Fran Scholey said “We are thrilled to bring the National Summer Games to Christchurch. This event will be an inspiring celebration of athletic achievement, courage, and community, where athletes of all abilities will have the opportunity to showcase their talents.”

Ngā Puna Wai Sports Hub hosted a “One Year to Go” event, including a Unified Football Have-A-Go-Day, to mark the countdown.

The hub is one of eight venues that will host competitions in 11 sports, including swimming and basketball at the newly built metro sports centre.

Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger said “We can’t wait to show off our wonderful city and our world-class sports facilities to the athletes and fans from all over New Zealand,” 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.”

The event marks a long-awaited return for Christchurch, last hosting the National Summer Games in 2005. Special Olympics Canterbury is the largest of New Zealand’s 42 Special Olympics clubs, making the city a natural choice for the event.

Scholey said “The National Summer Games is truly a special event in many different ways, so we want to encourage the people of Christchurch to get involved, as a spectator or as a volunteer.”

The event also introduced All Blacks star Scott Barrett as an ambassador. Barrett’s sister Zara has long competed in the Special Olympics, and the Canterbury forward expressed pride in supporting the event.

Organisers are calling for over 600 volunteers to assist with competitions, accommodation, transport, nutritional needs, and the Healthy Athletes Programme, a comprehensive health initiative for all athletes.

Scholey highlighted the rewarding nature of volunteering at the games.

“Like our athletes, our volunteers will have a hugely rewarding, once-in-a-lifetime experience, and in some cases life-changing experience working with our athletes and enjoying the joy that Special Olympics brings,” she said.

She also promised the return of the much-loved disco after the closing ceremony, which was cancelled during the 2021 games in Hamilton due to Covid-19.