COUNTDOWN: FOUR MONTHS TO GO! Prepare for the unprecedented celebration of inclusion and diversity in sports at the Rainbow Games 2024 from Thursday 4 – Monday 8 April! Whether you’re an experienced athlete or just starting out, there is something for everyone. The competitive and social divisions across Open and female-identifying categories create safe spaces at this multisport event inviting all to participate as their true selves.
NO TEAM? NO PROBLEM! Don’t have a team? No worries! Participate in individual sports like badminton, tennis, or swimming, or register as an individual for a team sport when prompted during your online sign-up process. The organisers will help match you with a suitable team in your chosen sport.
CHAMPIONING ALLYSHIP Celebrating diversity in sexual orientation, sex characteristics, and gender identity, the main goal is to provide a safe space for everyone to come together and play sports. While these Games aim to enhance the relationship between rainbow communities and sport, events are open to everyone regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, age, and skill level. These Games will thrive with the support of our allies. Allies are friends, whanau, colleagues, the baristas making your coffee in the morning – the list goes on. Allies support and champion those in the rainbow communities by supporting safe spaces for people to live authentically. Embracing inclusivity at its core, allies are encouraged to participate as they play a crucial role in fostering an inclusive atmosphere where everyone can play openly and completely.
CORPORATES UNITE! Calling all corporate teams! Participating in sports together fosters teamwork, boosts morale, and strengthens bonds within your organisation. As the official legal partner, Russell McVeagh hopes to see some fellow corporates out of the office and on the field. Meanwhile, official out-of-home and radio partner MediaWorks is gearing up to display their skills on the field! Seize the opportunity to support your rainbow colleagues and allies and unite your team next April. View our corporate pack online at www.rainbowgames.co.nz/register.
GIVE IT UP FOR THE AMBASSADORS! A fantastic crew of five ambassadors are here to inspire and advocate for participation in sport. They have made incredible contributions to their communities, from World Cup representation to championing rainbow support groups in schools. Listen to their words of wisdom, and who knows… you may well bump into them at the Rainbow Games!
Ambassadors:
- Honey Hireme-Smiley: A talented New Zealand cross-code female athlete in Rugby Union, Rugby League, and Rugby 7s. “If you can see me, you can be me. Visibility of our rainbow community immersed in the enjoyment of sports/activities via the Rainbow games shows the younger generation that there is a place for everyone to enjoy, engage, participate, connect and belong.”
Honey Hireme-Smiley - Campbell Johnstone: The first All Black to publicly come out as gay. His career includes representing the All Blacks in three Tests in 2005 and winning 3 super titles with The Crusaders. “There are still so many LGBTQI+ people out there who still feel they don’t fit. The Rainbow Games should be seen as a welcoming event for all and a bridge for the LGBTQI+ community to gain confidence to take a sport back up.”
Campbell Johnstone - Kate Weatherly: Came out as transgender at 17 and has been navigating the sporting world since. In 2018, she became the Aotearoa Downhill Mountain Biking national champion. “Being an ally means taking an ACTIVE role in supporting the queer community. Go to protests where it might be unsafe for those of us in the LGBTQIA+ community, speak up when you see or hear people expressing hurtful or dangerous perspectives.”
Kate Weatherly - Hugo Chou: Leader of the LGBTQI+ group at Westlake Boys Highschool, initiated the school’s attendance to the Lil’ Gay Out 2022, and a member of New Zealand’s national Under-19 badminton squad. “Most youth especially are at a loss as to how they can engage with the community while having fun and not being awkward. But being exposed to the possibility of engaging with others in events such as the Rainbow Games encourages people not only to be more active physically but also in the community.”
Hugo Chou - Jaiyah Saelua: A footballer who plays as a center back for the American Samoa national team, a fa’afafine (a third gender in Polynesian society), and the first openly non-binary and trans woman to compete in a FIFA World Cup qualifier. “Look out for her story in Taika Waititi’s new film Next Goal Wins!”
Jaiyah Saelua
BRINGING ON BOARD THE SPORTS SECTOR! The Games also have the support of Aotearoa, New Zealand’s fabulous sports sector. The organisers look forward to collaborating with national and regional sports organisations, trusts, and rainbow sports clubs to deliver, learn, and develop opportunities in rainbow sports.
REGISTER NOW PAY LATER! View the programme of sports on offer and sign up now at www.rainbowgames.co.nz. Book your spot today and pay in quarterly instalments. An EXCLUSIVE $20 Promo Code for YOUREX subscribers is available throughout December (Note: participants must be aged 18+ to participate). Simply type ‘YOUREX’ when prompted during checkout.
