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The Rainbow Games Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland 2024, in collaboration with School Sport New Zealand, is thrilled to announce the launch of the Rangatahi component at the inaugural Games, dedicated to empowering and engaging youth within the rainbow community.
Taking place on day one of the Rainbow Games 2024 (Friday 5 April), this exciting initiative will offer Rangatahi aged between 13-18 the opportunity to participate in a range of sports, movement and wellness activities, while discovering the physical, mental and social benefits. The Rangatahi participants will receive a commemorative t-shirt and engage in an array of fun activities designed to encourage movement, personal growth, and teamwork.
As a key legacy component of the Games, the Rangatahi component adds to the Games’ mission to create inclusive and empowering sports and recreation events that foster active participation, promote Turangawaewae, Manamotuhake, Hauora and Manaakitanga and to celebrate the diverse rainbow communities. With a vision of becoming an annual event for children aged 13-18, the initiative will inspire a generation of future active Rangatahi.
Recently, the organizing team, alongside Games ambassador Kate Weatherly, had the privilege of attending the Lil' Gay Out at Hobsonville Point Secondary School. This event provided an opportunity to engage with queer youth and discuss the numerous opportunities available to them in the realm of sports. Their valuable input will directly contribute to the co-design process of the Rangatahi component in order to create an event that resonates with their interests, experiences and aspirations.
“We know that school sport can provide Rangatahi with meaningful engagement and connections at school and positive health and wellbeing outcomes, we also know many Rainbow Rangatahi are not participating in school sport or active recreation. We’re excited to use this new opportunity with Rainbow Games 2024 to engage, invite and welcome our Rainbow Rangatahi to come and have some fun at the youth festival”, says Casey Redman (National Partnership Manager- Diversity & Inclusion, School Sport New Zealand)
Taking place alongside the Games, all Rainbow Games participants are required to sign a code of conduct, demonstrating their commitment to good sportsmanship and setting a positive example for Rangatahi. This initiative underlines our overall dedication to fostering an environment of respect, fairness, and inclusivity.
Registrations for the Rangatahi component of the Rainbow Games 2024 will open later this year. Stay tuned for further announcements and updates regarding the registration process. We encourage all youth aged 13-18, who identify within the rainbow community, to seize this incredible opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, discover new passions, and embrace the transformative power of sport, movement and wellness.
