Taupō Turns Out To Cheer On Special Olympics Team Heading To Christchurch

Taupō, 28 November 2025 - Taupō’s Special Olympics athletes are set to receive a rousing community send-off as they head to Christchurch for the Special Olympics Summer Games on 10 December.

When Julian Bishop, Manager of Volunteer Great Lake Taupō (VGLT) and committee member for Special Olympics Taupō, realised the 12-strong team might leave town without a proper public farewell after four years of hard training, he stepped in.

“They’ve put four years of effort into preparing for these games,” says Julian. “We really want the town to get behind our team and pump them up. This is our chance to show them Taupō is right behind them every step of the way.”

The solution was simple: bring the athletes into the heart of one of Taupō’s biggest community celebrations. Thanks to the generosity of local business Smart Steel Buildings, the team will travel on a dedicated float in the Tremains Santa Parade on 6 December, towed by owner Puruhi’s ute already well known with its VGLT Community Carnival branding from last years Santa parade.

Taupō has athletes competing in tenpin bowling and swimming at the Summer Games, representing our community on the national stage. This year, Special Olympics Taupō won’t be running a stall at the VGLT Community Carnival, as the workload of preparing for the Games is already huge for the club’s volunteers. Instead, the focus is on giving the athletes a memorable send-off.

As the float passes through the parade route, the community is being asked to get loud, wave, clap, and call out messages of encouragement to the team.

“We’re asking everyone to give them a massive cheer and wish them luck as they go past,” says Julian. “A few kind words and a big Taupō send off can mean the world when you’re about to compete.”

This trip would not have been possible without the support of key funders and sponsors, including Grassroots Trust Limited, Lions Club of Taupo (Lakeland) Charitable Trust, Lakeland IHC, Great Lake Taupō (Taupo East Rural Community Fund), and D M Cunningham Limited. Their contributions have helped cover essential costs to get the team to Christchurch.

The athletes representing Special Olympics Taupō at the Games are:
Caleb Ashford, Gavin Bowater, Jackson Ashford, Jaydn Ashford, John O’Carroll, Jordan Wikohika, Matthew McCallum, Morris Vink, Oliver Priscott, Vaughn Konui, Wayne Peters, and Wendell Clarke.

“These athletes are everyday members of our community who have worked incredibly hard,” Julian adds. “We’d love Taupō to show up for them at the parade, online, and in spirit as they compete in Christchurch.”

Members of the public are encouraged to line the streets for the Tremains Santa Parade from 10am on Saturday 6 December, look out for the Special Olympics Taupō float, and help give the team the send-off they deserve.

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