JOIN SPECTRES AUSTRALIA AT THE RAINBOW GAMES IN 2026
Be part of history at the 2nd international event, the Rainbow Games in
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland
Just when you thought the Green, Gold & Pride crew couldn't get any bigger — here comes our next big adventure. As part of our 25th anniversary celebrations, Spectres Australia is opening registration to represent Australia at Rainbow Games 2026.
The Pacific Rainbow Games Trust is a non-profit charitable trust that fosters a community encouraging participation, understanding, and acceptance of people of diverse sexualities and gender identities.
After successfully delivering the inaugural Rainbow Games in 2024 in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, the Trust now continues its work to build on this legacy — supporting ongoing rangatahi and community initiatives, while planning for the next Rainbow Games in 2026.
Spectres Australia is proudly sending 2 to 3 basketball teams to compete at the Rainbow Games in 2026 in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. Will you be part of our journey?
This is a confirmed commitment to attend
Registering below means you're confirming you can attend Auckland, 29 Oct – 1 Nov 2026, and pay your own registration fee. Please only register if you're genuinely able to travel and play — Spectres Australia plans team numbers, uniforms and category entries directly off this list.
One team is already locked in and heading to Auckland — this one's closer to home and easier on the wallet than Valencia, so don't miss your chance to join them on court.
Help our athletes reach Auckland, New Zealand!
About The Pacific Rainbow Games 2026
The Pacific Rainbow Games Trust is a non-profit charitable trust that fosters communities that welcome, understand, and accept people with diverse sexualities and gender identities.
After successfully delivering the inaugural Rainbow Games in 2024 in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, the Trust now continues its work to build on this legacy — supporting ongoing rangatahi and community initiatives, while working towards the next Rainbow Games in 2026.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is 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 in Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific.
OUR VISION
Our vision is to create a future where rainbow communities are empowered and fully included in sports and recreation. By participating in the Rainbow Games events, we envision a society that embraces and supports the diverse identities and expressions of our communities, where all individuals feel safe, accepted, and valued. We strive to build vibrant and inclusive events that promotes diversity, equity, and wellbeing, and contributes to a stronger, healthier, and more inclusive future.
The 2026 event promises to be the most inclusive and exciting yet.
Can’t attend but want to be involved? Support our athletes.
Why compete with Spectres Australia in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland?
Spectres Australia, Australia’s premier LGBTQI+ basketball association, is fielding 2 to 3 teams at the Rainbow Games 2026:
The invite
Event details
This one's a lot closer to home and easier on the wallet than Valencia — which means even more of our community can jump on court. Whether you made it to Gay Games or missed out last time, Auckland is your chance to pull on the Green, Gold & Pride again.
The Spectres have a long history of promoting inclusion and excellence in basketball. By joining our Rainbow Games 2026 campaign, you’ll benefit from:
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Professional coaching and team training sessions
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Custom Spectres Australia team uniforms
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Participation in Opening and Closing Ceremonies
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A supportive team environment
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The pride of representing Australia on the world stage
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Memories and friendships to last a lifetime
Can’t join as a player? Support a team! Your sponsorship or donation helps our athletes represent Australia on the world stage.
Your guide to Rainbow Games participation
Ranbow Games participation offers athletes the opportunity to compete at an international level while celebrating diversity. Here’s how to get involved with Spectres Australia:
Event Timeline
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Thursday 29 October 2026: Registration + Opening Ceremony (evening)
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Saturday 31 October 2026: All teams competition
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Sunday 01 November 2026: Rainbow Games Closing Ceremony
Registration Costs
Standard Registration Fee: NZ$69 (from 16 April to 16 October 2026)
Basketball 3x3 Sport fee: $20 per player
Spectres Australia is working on securing partnership/sponsorships to help cover merchandise and some evening meal costs for players.
More Information
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Rainbow Games 2026, New Zealand - website.
How to Register
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Click the button above or below ("Read to Play - Sign Up Now")
Learn how to participate in the Rainbow Games 2026 by joining one of Spectres Australia’s 2 to 3 teams. We offer various support options to ensure all athletes can attend.
Support an athlete’s journey - Your donation can help cover registration fees, merchandise fees, meals for players needing financial assistance.
Support our journey to New Zealand
Getting our teams to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland requires community support. Whether you’re a business looking to align with diversity and inclusion, or an individual wanting to make a difference, your contribution matters.
How you can support:
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Corporate sponsorship with packages from $2,500-$100,000
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Individual donations of any amount
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Customised partnerships tailored to your objectives
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In-kind support and services
“The Rainbow Games is more than a tournament to me. It’s a celebration of who I am, the pride we play with as a community, and the friendships that make sport worth it.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Rainbow Games?
Rainbow Games Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is Aotearoa New Zealand's inclusive LGBTQI+ multisport event, run by the Pacific Rainbow Games Trust, a non-profit charitable trust. In 2026 it returns to Auckland from 29 October to 1 November, bringing together LGBTQI+ athletes and allies across a range of sports, including 3x3 basketball.
Do I need previous basketball experience?
No. Rainbow Games doesn't require prior experience — every sport runs Social and Competitive grades so total beginners and seasoned players both get a fair game. Register at the level that matches your ability, and lock in the rules for your grade closer to the date.
What's the minimum age to take part?
18. Rainbow Games requires participants to be 18 or older on the day of the Opening Ceremony — so everyone in the Spectres delegation needs to be 18+ by Thursday 29 October 2026.
How does gender category registration work?
You register in the gender category you're most comfortable competing in — participation is based on self-identification. Your legal name is only collected for identity and accreditation purposes and won't be shown publicly; you can register and play under your own chosen name and pronouns everywhere else.
Do I need my own travel insurance?
Yes. Rainbow Games requires every participant to arrange their own travel and medical insurance for the event. This isn't something Spectres Australia or Rainbow Games can organise on your behalf — sort it before you travel.
What if I need to cancel after registering?
Rainbow Games offers a sliding refund on the official registration fee: 80% back for cancellations up to 31 August 2026, 50% for cancellations between 1–30 September 2026, and no refund after 30 September 2026. Cancellations need to be submitted in writing to Rainbow Games.
What happens if 3x3 basketball doesn't get enough entries?
If a sport ends up undersubscribed, Rainbow Games will offer affected participants the choice of moving to another sport or withdrawing with an 80% refund of their registration fee.
Who actually runs Rainbow Games?
Rainbow Games Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is organised by the Pacific Rainbow Games Trust, a non-profit charitable trust based in Auckland. Spectres Australia is coordinating the Australian basketball delegation and covering registration fees and uniforms — Rainbow Games itself is a separate, independent event.
Where can I read the official rules in full?
Rainbow Games publishes its full Terms & Conditions, Gender Inclusion Policy and Code of Conduct on their website — worth reading before you register, since these govern the event, not Spectres Australia.
How can I support the athletes if I can’t participate as a player?
Visit our Support Us section above to learn about sponsorship opportunities, donation options, and other ways to help.
