Special Olympics New Zealand

For people like Nelson’s Sean Tremlett, being involved with Special Olympics has supported him to grow his confidence and meet people with similar interests.

He’s been involved with Special Olympics as a basketball player at the Nelson Club for 10 years and has even had the opportunity to compete overseas at the World Summer Games in Los Angeles in 2015.

This year Sean, alongside three other athletes from around the country, has been given the opportunity to take part in Special Olympics New Zealand’s Athlete Leadership Programme, a year-long leadership course that teaches new and valuable leadership skills to help athletes in their lives and careers.

Graduates of Special Olympics New Zealand’s Athlete Leadership Programme have gone on to become board members of non-profit organisations, secure paid employment, and become advocates for people with intellectual disabilities in their communities. They play an important role in promoting inclusion and empowering people with intellectual disabilities to participate in society as equals.

Special Olympics New Zealand needs your support to continue offering opportunities like the Athlete Leadership Programme to athletes like Sean, and to continue its year-round sports programme that more than 7000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities throughout the country participate in.