Rainbow Games - Swimming

Swimming at
Rainbow Games 2026

Saturday 31 October 2026

Swimming at Rainbow Games 2026 

Join us for a celebration of skill, spirit, and community in the pool! Swimming at Rainbow Games 2026 welcomes players of all identities, levels, and backgrounds to take part in a fun and inclusive tournament across multiple divisions.

Swim your best in the 25m state-of-the-art pool at Hiwa Recreation Centre at the University of Auckland.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

HOW TO REGISTER:

Swimming uses individual registration.

  • INDIVIDUAL: Register and select the individual and relay events you want to enter.

DELIVERED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

ABOUT SWIMMING

VENUE

Hiwa Recreation Centre at the University of Auckland – a premium new state-of-the-art facility, located in the heart of Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland

DATES

Friday 16 October 2026

  • All registrations close. Late entries will not be accepted

Thursday 29 October

  • Registration + Opening Ceremony (evening)​​​​​​​

Saturday 31 October

  • All day competition

Sunday 01 November

  • Closing Event (evening)

REGISTRATION COSTS

Registration Fee (Reg + Sport Fee per person)

  • Standard: $69 (from 16 April to 16 October 2026)
  • ​​​​​​​Swimming Sport Fee : $30 per player

​​​​​​​Your registration includes access to a full Rainbow Games experience:

  • Ticket to the Opening Ceremony (Thursday 29 October)
  • Ticket to the Closing Event (Sunday 1 November)
  • Access to the arts, culture, and social programme throughout the Games
  • Opportunity to compete for medals and represent your community with pride
  • Player accreditation pass 
  • Your fee includes a contribution to the Rangatahi Legacy Initiative, supporting future generations of LGBTQI+ youth in sport

In addition to the registration fee, players must pay a sport fee to participate in a sport of their choice.

Instalment Payments now available!  

Pay in three instalments: 

  • Instalment 1) $30 when you register.
  • Instalment 2) $30 -1 September.  
  • Instalment 3) 15 October  - the remainder.


CATEGORIES

The following categories are available:

  • Open: Inclusive of all gender identities and expressions. Anyone can enter this category.
  • Women and Gender Diverse: For women, non-binary, trans and gender diverse participants who feel this is the right category for them.

Within each category, you’ll select your age division:

  • 18–29
  • 30–39
  • 40–49
  • 50–59
  • 60–69
  • 70–79
  • 80+

Choose up to five individual races when you register and provide your expected finishing times.

Stroke / EventDistances
Freestyle25m, 50m, 100m, 200m
Breaststroke25m, 50m, 100m
Backstroke25m, 50m, 100m
Butterfly25m, 50m
Individual Medley100m, 200m
Any Stroke200m
Team Relays4 x 50m Freestyle, 4 x 50m Medley

See FAQs for the full programme.

FAQS

MATCH FORMAT, DRAWS AND SCHEDULE