Special Olympics Australia welcomes members of the media to the 2026 Special Olympics Australia National Games, taking place in Melbourne from 19-23 October.

The National Games will bring together more than 850 athletes with intellectual disability and/or autism from across Australia, alongside coaches, volunteers, families and supporters. 

The 2026 Games are a particularly significant milestone as we celebrate 50 years of Special Olympics in Australia, making this National Games a unique opportunity to tell stories of inclusion, achievement, determination and community. 

Requesting Media Accreditation

Media accreditation is available to journalists, photographers, videographers, content creators, new media, broadcasters and other media representatives covering the 2026 National Games. 

There is no accreditation form to complete.

To request media accreditation, please email media@specialolympics.com.au with the following information:

• Your name and position
• Media organisation
• Contact phone number
• Email address
• Type of coverage you are planning
• The dates you intend to attend the Games
• Details of any photographer, videographer or other crew member accompanying you

Accreditation requests will be reviewed by the Special Olympics Australia Media Team. Submission of a request does not guarantee accreditation.

Special Olympics Australia may request further information about an applicant's media activities or proposed coverage when considering an accreditation request. 

Successful applicants will receive further information about accreditation collection, venue access and media arrangements closer to the Games.

Media Access

Accredited media will be provided with information about relevant competition venues, media access areas, interview opportunities and key Games events. 

Media access may vary between venues and competitions and is subject to operational, safety, safeguarding and competition requirements. 

Access to athletes, coaches and officials is also subject to their availability and consent and should only be organised through the Special Olympics Australia Media Team. Media should always repect requests from athletes or others not to participate in interviews or filming. 

Terms and Conditions of Media Accreditation

By accepting media accreditation for the 2026 National Games, media representatives agree to:

Accreditation and access

• Media accreditation is personal and non-transferable and may only be used by the person to whom it is issued.
• Accreditation must be worn or displayed as directed while attending Games venues. 
• Accreditation must be worn or displayed as directed while attending Games venues. 
• Accreditation provides access only to areas and activities authorised by Special Olympics Australia and venue management. 
• Access may be restricted or withdrawn at any time for operational, safety, safeguarding or other legitimate event requirements. 
• Media representatives must follow all reasonable directions from Special Olympics Australia, Games officials, venue staff and security personnel. 

Photography and filming

• Photography and filming must be undertaken only in areas where media access has been authorised. 
• Media must not enter restricted areas, including changing rooms, medical areas or other private spaces. 
• Photography or filming must not interfere with competition or create a safety risk.
• Images and footage should represent athletes and participants respectfully and in the context in which they are captured. 
• Media representatives are responsibly for ensuring that any accompanying crew members comply with these conditions. 

Personal conduct

Accredited media representatives are expected to conduct themselves professionally at all times while attending the National Games.

Special Olympics Australia reserves the right to refuse, suspend or withdraw accreditation where a media representative does not comply with these conditions, fails to follow a reasonable direction, or where this is reasonably necessary to protect the safety, wellbeing, privacy and orderly conduct of the Games. 

Respect for athletes and participants

Special Olympics Australia is committed to creating safe, welcoming and inclusive environments for everyone involved in the Games.

Media representatives are expected to:

• Treat athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, families and supporters with dignity and respect. 
• Use respectful and appropriate language when reporting on people with intellectual disability and/or autism. 
• Avoid stereotypes, assumptions or language that could be demeaning, patronising or sensationalist. 
• Respect an athlete's decision not to participate in an interview, photograph, or filming opportunity.
• Conduct interviews and photography in a manner that does not disrupt athletes, competitions or event operations. 

Athlete safeguarding and privacy

The safety and wellbeing or athletes is our priority. 

• Respect the privacy and personal boundaries of athletes and other participants, including photography, filming or interview restrictions communicated by Special Olympics Australia. 
• Not seek access to private or sensitive information about an athlete.
• Not photograph or film athletes in situations where privacy would be reasonably expected. 
• Not arrange private or unsupervised access to athletes or seek to contact athletes directly outside approved media arrangements for the purpose of Games-related coverage. 
• Follow any additional safeguarding requirements communicated by Special Olympics Australia or venue officials. 
• Immediately follow any direction to stop filming, photographing or interviewing an athlete or participant. 

Questions for Accreditation Requests

For media accreditation requests, interview enquiries, media access or further information, please contact:

Special Olympics Australia Media Team
media@specialolympics.com.au

We look forward to welcoming media to Melbourne and working with you to share the stories of the athletes, families, volunteers and supporters who will make the 2026 National Games such a special celebration of 50 years of inclusion. 

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