The Law Enforcement Torch Run is a lead up event to the Special Olympics Summer Games. Attended by police staff, local athletes and Special Olympics competitors, it connects athletes with their communities and highlights the great work the Special Olympics movement does to assist those with intellectual disabilities through sport.
The ‘Flame of Hope’ was carried through 14 centres across the country, beginning in Whangarei and ending in Dunedin for last week’s opening ceremony of the Special Olympics Summer Games.
Inspector Mark Harrison (Central) has been heavily involved in the success of the torch run to date.
“A lot of police work is about looking after the most vulnerable in our community so this is really what we’re all about. Everyone I have been involved with who has taken part in the Law Enforcement Torch Run says it was the most rewarding thing they’ve ever done,” says Inspector Harrison.
The international event has been running in New Zealand since 2009 and takes place in another 45 countries. Over 90,000 law enforcement staff around the globe take part each year.
“The programme is still in the early stages of development here but we’re looking forward to building on this.
“It's a fantastic initiative to be part of and it’s been great to see the community cheer us on as we’ve made our way down the length of the country," says Inspector Harrison.
For more information on Special Olympics New Zealand, or the New Zealand Law Enforcement Torch run, visit:
Law Enforcement Torch Run's Facebook page