The Rotorua Triathlon and Multisport Club has announced the Rotorua Adaptive Tri; an inclusive multisport event designed especially for Bay of Plenty tamariki and rangatahi with physical or intellectual disabilities.

The inaugural event will take place at the Rotorua Aquatic Centre on Thursday, November 6, 2025.

The Rotorua Adaptive Tri is more than a sporting event – it’s a celebration of achievement, inclusion, and community, said club president Nicola Smallwood.

Smallwood said participants aged five and up will take on triathlon disciplines in a way that suits them, with adapted distances and equipment support. For many, it will be their first finish line – creating life-changing memories that build confidence, pride, and belonging.

“The Adaptive Tri is about removing barriers, celebrating effort, and giving Rotorua and Bay of Plenty tamariki and rangatahi with disabilities the chance to experience the joy and confidence that comes from being part of triathlon.

“It’s about showing what resilience looks like, not just for the participants, but for the whānau and the entire community cheering them on.”

The event has been modelled on a similar event delivered successfully in the Hawkes Bay with Smallwood saying the vision behind the event is simple but deeply meaningful.

“The support we have already received has been overwhelming. From drawing on the experience of organisers in Hawke’s Bay, to working closely with the Halberg Foundation, Parafed Bay of Plenty, and Te Arawa Swimming, and with the generous backing of key partners such as Rotorua Aquatic Centre and Peak Safety — every contribution has been invaluable," Smallwood said.

“This support and expertise have been critical to ensuring the event meets the needs of participants and is truly inclusive”.

Siobhan Terry, Bay of Plenty Halberg Adviser and a para-athlete herself has been championing an inclusive event for some time and is excited to see the Rotorua Triathlon Club step into this space with such commitment. 

“It’s about creating an opportunity that allows anyone to experience and participate in a Triathlon, regardless of their disability,” Terry said.

“For me, it will be exciting to see participants get out there, give it a go and hopefully, come away from it feeling empowered to do more.

“I am grateful that I am able to bring my experiences both as a Halberg Adviser and Para Athlete to support this kaupapa. Sports has done so much for me as disabled athlete and I think this is going to be the start of something really exciting for our community and the Tri club.”

The Rotorua Triathlon and Multisport Club have a proud history of fostering participation, from entry-level events through to its flagship Blue Lake Multisport Festival. 

The Club welcomes local schools, families, and community groups and business who share the kaupapa to join in this celebration of inclusion. 

The Rotorua Adaptive Tri is being held on Thursday November 6, 2025, at the Rotorua Aquatic Centre and is for tamariki and rangatahi (5+) with physical and/or intellectual disabilities, their whānau, schools, and supporters.

For more information, visit www.rotoruatriathlon.co.nz/rotorua-adaptive-tri  or contact event manager Janette Douglas on 021 745 676 / rotoruaadaptivetri@gmail.com