Z Games 2026 – Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are Z Games?
A: Z Games is a North American Zoroastrian community sports and wellness gathering designed to bring together youth and adults through friendly competition, teamwork, and community connection. The event emphasizes participation, sportsmanship, and preparation for larger Zoroastrian sporting events while strengthening inter-community bonds.
Q: When and where will Z Games 2026 take place?
A: Z Games 2026 competitions and main events will take place July 1–4, 2026 at the ARC Pavilion of
University of California, Davis in Davis, California, located at 750 Orchard Rd, Davis, CA 95616
- June 30: Participant check-in (UC Davis)
- July 1–4: Games, ceremonies, and social events
- July 5: Checkout
A community Gahanbar ceremony will be hosted on July 5 around noon at the
Sacramento Zoroastrian Association for those who wish to attend before departure.
Q: How do I get from Sacramento International Airport (SMF) to UC Davis?
A: The easiest and most reliable way to reach UC Davis from SMF is via public transportation.
Organizers will not provide airport transportation, so all participants should plan their own travel.
Suggested Route:
- From SMF to Downtown Sacramento:
- Take the Yolobus Airport Express or a shuttle to downtown Sacramento.
- Approximate travel time: 30–40 minutes.
- From Downtown Sacramento to UC Davis:
- Option 1: Unitrans Bus or Yolobus connection to UC Davis campus.
- Option 2: Amtrak train from Sacramento Valley Station to Davis Station (approx. 15–20 minutes),
then a short local bus or ride to campus.
- Total travel time: ~45–60 minutes depending on connections.
- Public transportation is cost-effective and convenient, especially for those unfamiliar with driving in the area.
Tip: Check the Yolobus, Unitrans, and Amtrak schedules in advance to coordinate your arrival with check-in on June 30.
Quick Links for Public Transit
- Yolobus Airport Express: https://www.yolobus.com
- Unitrans (UC Davis Campus Bus): https://unitrans.ucdavis.edu
- Amtrak – Sacramento to Davis: https://www.amtrak.com/routes/capitol-corridor-train.html
Q: What sports and individual games are offered at Z Games 2026?
A: Z Games 2026 offers both team sports and expanded individual competitions across multiple age divisions to maximize participation opportunities.
Team Sports
- Basketball
- Volleyball
Individual Games by Age Division
Junior (7–10)
- Track 80 meters
- Swimming 25m freestyle
- Table Tennis – Singles
- Table Tennis – Doubles
- Pickleball – Doubles
Pre-Teen (10–12)
- Track 80 meters
- Swimming 25m freestyle
- Table Tennis – Singles
- Table Tennis – Doubles
- Pickleball – Doubles
Youth (12–15)
- Track 80 meters
- Swimming 50m freestyle
- Table Tennis – Singles
- Table Tennis – Doubles
- Pickleball – Doubles
Adult (15+)
- Track 100 meters
- Track 400 meters
- Track 4×100 meters relay
- Track 1,600 meters
- Swimming 50m freestyle
- Swimming 100m freestyle
- Swimming 100m freestyle relay
- Table Tennis – Singles
- Table Tennis – Doubles
- Pickleball – Doubles
Masters Adult (50+)
- Track 400 meters
Q: Is there a Youth Retreat?
A: Yes. A dedicated Pre-Games Youth Retreat will be offered for younger participants.
The retreat focuses on team-building, sports readiness, and community connection prior to competitions. Registration is separate and space is limited.
Q: Who can participate?
A: Z Games welcomes Zoroastrian youth and adults from all North American associations and communities. Age eligibility is determined by the participant’s age on the first day of competition.
Q: How do I register?
A: Registration will open through the official Z Games 2026 online portal. Participants may register for individual sports, team sports, youth retreat, and social activities (if applicable). Required waivers and uploads must be completed during registration.
Q: I registered but didn’t receive confirmation. Am I registered?
A: Your automated registration confirmation email serves as proof of registration. A detailed participant information email will be sent after registration closes and divisions are finalized. If you do not receive confirmation, please contact the registration team.
Q: What is the cancellation and refund policy?
A: Cancellation fees apply based on timing relative to the event. Because venues and scheduling are finalized based on registrations, late cancellations cannot be refunded. Social event tickets (if applicable) are non-refundable. Exact dates and percentages will be published with registration.
Q: Will there be social events?
A: Yes. Z Games includes community social gatherings and celebrations alongside competitions. Details will be announced with the final program.
Q: Can athletes participate in multiple sports?
A: Yes, provided schedules do not conflict. Participants must commit to all matches once schedules are finalized.
Q: Are team roster sizes flexible?
A: No. Team roster limits are strictly enforced to ensure fairness and scheduling integrity. Roster changes must be submitted before final schedules are published.
Q: How was the Z Games 2026 format decided?
A: The format was developed collaboratively by the planning committee following participation analysis, athlete surveys, and venue/time availability review to ensure an inclusive and sustainable event.
Q: Who is organizing Z Games 2026?
A: Z Games 2026 is organized by the Sacramento Zoroastrian community and volunteers in collaboration with regional Zoroastrian associations and athletes.