Yesterday, September 18, Special Olympics New Zealand kicked off the 2019 national winter games at Cardrona Resort. The games are hosted for around 50 athletes with intellectual disabilities and a passion for snowsports, particularly snowboarding and alpine skiing. This year they’ll be supported by 39 coaches and team managers who help to put the biannual event on the calendar. Athletes can compete in three events: Super G, Slalom and Giant Slalom. Competition is offered at three levels: novice, intermediate and advanced.

Founded in 1968, Special Olympics NZ is a nationwide organisation that provides sports training to children and adults across the country who have intellectual disabilities. They run 13 Olympic-style nationwide programmes throughout the year that cater to over 7,000 athletes, helping the participants to develop fitness, encourage courage and foster joy in their lives. 

Chief executive of the group Carolyn Young said that she is happy to be able to present this opportunity, “the athletes are all excited and are putting the final touches on their training and preparation for the Games,” she said. 

Young added that, “of course we are looking forward to seeing how they all perform on the slopes, but the event is also an opportunity for athletes with intellectual disabilities from all around the country to get together with their mates, make new friends, and have a great time.”

This year’s winter games will finish off this Saturday with a closing ceremony, farewell dinner and highly anticipated disco for all involved.