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Invercargill, October 1, 2022
Police and Special Olympics New Zealand athletes are poised for a run through central Invercargill on Saturday, October 1, 2022, to kick off the nationwide Law Enforcement Torch Run.
The Run supports the Freemasons New Zealand Special Olympics National Summer Games which will be held from 8 to 12 December in Hamilton.
The Flame of Hope
A large contingent of New Zealand Police will run alongside Special Olympics athletes, coaches and families from the Southland clubs and carry the “Flame of Hope” through Queens Park in Invercargill, starting at the Feldwick Gate, from 10 am
Before they head off, the runners and walkers will be met by Invercargill Mayor Tim Shadbolt and a reception held where Special Olympics athletes and LETR runners will speak about the Torch Run and Special Olympics.
The flame symbolises courage, celebrates diversity, and unites communities around the globe with over 97,000 law enforcement members carrying the “Flame of Hope” at events annually.
Inspector Mark Harrison, Chair of the LETR New Zealand Charitable Trust and New Zealand LETR Director said that the event epitomises what Policing is about – being an active part of the community and supporting positive community initiatives.
“ It would be great to have the community cheer us,” he said.
Promoting Summer Games
Special Olympics Chief Executive Carolyn Young is excited that the nationwide Law Enforcement Torch Run is starting this weekend to mark the final countdown to the National Summer Games.
“Our clubs have been building up to our pinnacle event for five years, and the LETR is a wonderful way to raise awareness around the country and to get everyone excited about the National Summer Games. We are very grateful to the New Zealand Police for being such a fantastic partner in this event for so many years and we hope the people of Invercargill and the rest of the country will come out in numbers to show their support for our athletes,” she said.
The torch will be travelling through most major centres in New Zealand in the next two months.
Media are invited to attend the Torch Run and photographers are welcome.
For more information about Invercargill run contact: Inspector Mike Bowman Area Commander Southern on (021-1915179); For general information about Torch Run contact Inspector Mark Harrison New Zealand Police (021-1907805), Donna Milne, Special Olympics Southland Board Chair (027-4710782), Coen Lammers Media Manager Special Olympics New Zealand (021-730 239); Website: www.specialolympics.org.nz
