SONZ is a sporting organisation for people with intellectual disabilities. They provide training and competition in a range of Olympic style sports that cover both summer and winter sports. Whilst not part of the Olympic movement, Special Olympics have their own World Summer and Winter Games.

This is a mutually beneficial partnership where the values of both organisations are closely aligned. The partnership will allow Freemasons to do what they do best, which is engage in and support the community. This will provide much- needed support to SONZ clubs and ultimately will allow more athletes to participate in sports across New Zealand. The alignment of our core values around inclusion, fun, courage and respect under-pin the relationship. And both organisations are active in every corner of New Zealand, giving us strong connections across our communities.

The sponsorship supports the partnership between FMNZ and SONZ over 2024-2026. We are sponsoring the volunteer programme in 2024 and 2026, and the 2025 Special Olympics National Summer Games in Christchurch.

The NSG is the pinnacle event for SONZ. The games occur every four years, in a different city, with athletes training and preparing for three years to be able to attend. In 2025 they will be held in Christchurch on 10th - 14th December. We are expecting over 1,300 athletes and coaches from all over New Zealand to compete in 10 different sports at 7 venues. The games are more than just sport, it's an opportunity for athletes to re-connect and make new friends from all over the country. Further information on the NSG can be found on the NSG website.

There are a wide range of volunteer opportunities that include, volunteer lead/managers, registrations, transport assistance, opening and closing ceremony support and logistics, medal ceremonies, sports officials, general volunteers, photographers etc. The roles range from ½ day shifts to full day shifts to the full five days of the NSG. Further details will be available shortly.

The NSG is primarily funded by athletes, with clubs working hard to fundraise and apply for funding to reduce the costs to the athletes as much as possible. SONZ also applies for grant funding and sponsorship to reduce the cost to athletes and coaches.

FMNZ already donates considerable sums to a variety of organisations and initiatives throughout New Zealand each year. This is part of our strong focus on charity and contributing to our communities. A prime example is the millions of dollars we have donated to support the Malaghan Institute's Freemasons CAR-T cell research programme.