The games mark "a milestone event for LGBTQI+ communities across Aotearoa, Australia and the Pacific"
Russell McVeagh has been named the official legal partner for the first-ever Rainbow Games Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland 2024.
The firm said that this partnership reflects both parties’ dedication to diversity and inclusion, as well as to celebrating the LGBTQI+ community and their supporters. According to partner Will Irving, the games mark “a milestone event for LGBTQI+ communities across Aotearoa, Australia and the Pacific, and a significant event for Tāmaki Makaurau in 2024.
“Crafting a brand-new sporting event is a formidable undertaking, and we are delighted to join forces with one of New Zealand’s esteemed law firms to curate a memorable and meaningful Rainbow Games,” said Tom Leonard, event director of the Rainbow Games 2024.
The Rainbow Games are scheduled for 4-8 April 2024 and will bring together athletes of diverse identities and backgrounds across 14 sporting categories. The event revolves around core principles Turangawaewae, Manamotuhake, Hauora, and Manaakitanga; these principles represent “belonging, a holistic approach to health, and fostering a culture of inclusivity, support, and camaraderie,” Russell McVeagh explained.
The firm added that partnering with the Rainbow Games Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland 2024 is in line with its goal to further the growth and success of the LGBTQI+ community “both on and off the playing field.”
“Promoting inclusivity and wellbeing are important pillars of how we support our people and communities at Russell McVeagh, so the Rainbow Games are a perfect fit for us,” Irving said.
