New Zealand’s Rainbow Games Bring 703 Competitors Together
New Zealand's Rainbow Games welcomes 703 competitors from 12 countries, celebrating LGBTQ+ inclusion, sporting success and new friendships.
Gold medals, new friendships and a celebration of LGBTQ+ inclusion marked New Zealand’s Rainbow Games 2026, with 703 competitors from 12 countries and territories gathering in Auckland for four days of sport.
Held from 29 October to 1 November, the second edition of the Games welcomed LGBTQ+ athletes and allies, offering opportunities for experienced competitors and newcomers alike.
The event featured 13 sports, including swimming, basketball, football, tennis, badminton, volleyball, kickball and ten-pin bowling. Participants could compete individually or in teams, with additional activities encouraging people to get involved regardless of sporting experience.
Among the highlights were Auckland couple Ben and Reuben, who celebrated gold and silver medals in swimming. University of Auckland student Jah discovered a passion for kickball and is now working towards establishing a league at the university.
American visitor Brady, who had arrived in New Zealand just two weeks earlier, also joined the kickball competition and received a special award recognising his contribution to the Games’ inclusive atmosphere.
The final participation figures included 398 individually registered athletes and competitors representing more than 30 sporting teams.
At least 65 participants identified as transgender, non-binary, genderqueer, genderfluid or fa’afafine, reflecting the event’s commitment to welcoming people across different gender identities.
Competitors travelled from countries including Australia, England, Germany, Canada, Mexico, South Africa and the United States, alongside several Pacific nations.
More than 100 volunteers helped deliver the event, which officially opened at Auckland’s Aotea Centre, with Councillor Richard Hills attending.
This year’s celebrations carried additional significance, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of New Zealand’s 1986 Homosexual Law Reform Act, which decriminalised consensual sexual activity between men.
Rainbow Games chair Tux Hika praised the friendships formed and the opportunities created for people who might not otherwise feel comfortable joining traditional sporting competitions.
Following the inaugural Games in 2024, the event has continued developing as an international celebration of LGBTQ+ participation in sport, bringing together athletes, volunteers and supporters from across the world.
Where to follow Rainbow Games:
Want to see more from Rainbow Games 2026? You can explore photographs from the competitions, opening ceremony and celebrations through the official Rainbow Games photo galleries.
Follow Rainbow Games on Instagram for highlights, athlete stories and updates on future events, or visit the official Rainbow Games website to learn more about the organisation and its commitment to inclusive sport.
Image credits: Rainbow Games 2026 / Official Rainbow Games website. Visit the official photo galleries to discover more photographs from the event.
