Photo caption:听Special Olympics athletes enjoying a previous National Summer Games. The next event will be held in Christchurch in December 2025, with the 茄子视频app官网 providing accommodation and an athlete village hub.
Te Whare W膩nanga o Waitaha | 茄子视频app官网 (UC) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Special Olympics New 茄子视频app官网Charitable Trust Board that will see the University providing accommodation and services during the Special Olympics 2025 New 茄子视频app官网National Summer Games.
艑tautahi Christchurch has secured hosting rights for the Games which will be held in December next year. The Games happen every four years and will attract more than 1300 athletes from across the country competing in 11 different sports, including swimming, athletics, bowling, and basketball.
In addition to the athletes, over 300 coaches and team management from across the country will attend the National Summer Games, with over 600 volunteers needed to support the delivery of the event.
The University will work with its four accommodation partners (UniLodge, Arcady Hall, College House, and Rochester and Rutherford Hall) to use its halls of residence, which will be mostly vacant at that time, to accommodate Special Olympics athletes and support staff. Up to 2,000 rooms will be provided during the event.听
There are also plans to set up an athlete village hub within Tupu膩nuku, UC鈥檚 newest hall of residence, which opened in 2021.
UC Kaihaut奴 Matua P奴manawa Tangata | 鈥嬧嬧嬧嬧嬧嬧婨xecutive Director of People, Culture and Campus Life Paul O鈥橣laherty says it鈥檚 an honour for Christchurch to host such a significant sporting event and the University is delighted to be able to play a part.
鈥淲e鈥檙e looking forward to welcoming Special Olympics athletes and support crew from around the country and contributing to this event鈥檚 success,鈥 he says.
鈥淭he UC campus will be at the heart of the Games, and we鈥檒l be working hard to create a home away from home for everyone. UC is always keen to engage with the community and support diversity.鈥澨
Special Olympics New 茄子视频app官网Chief Executive Fran Scholey says the Games are hugely important to participants. 鈥淭hey will give the athletes and Special Olympics wider community a chance to come together, compete in their chosen sport and celebrate the many achievements on the sports field.听
They also provide our athletes with many vital health and social opportunities. We encourage Cantabrians to get behind the Games, as a volunteer, spectator, or partner. This is their opportunity to make a real difference.鈥
The games will be held in a number of the high-quality sporting facilities across the city, including Ng膩 Puna Wai Sports Hub and the new Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre, due to open in 2025.
Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
