Canterbury Police had a large presence at this year’s Special Olympics National Summer Games, bringing energy, inclusivity, and plenty of smiles to athletes and supporters alike.
Senior Sergeant Julie Fifield, who served as Canterbury Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) coordinator and district liaison, had a hands-on role throughout the event – from carrying the torch at both the opening and closing ceremonies to presenting medals to athletes.
Julie, who has a close relative with autism and understands the disability space, says Police presence at the Games was more than ceremonial – it was meaningful.
“Police are the highlight for many of the athletes, sometimes even more than the competition,” Julie says.
“They can be themselves and feel no judgement from us. We’re kind, respectful, and have fun with them.
“Having a photo with a police officer is something they’ll keep forever.”
For Julie, the experience was rewarding beyond measure.
“It filled my bucket,” she says. “Seeing the pride and happiness on athletes’ faces during medal ceremonies was very special.
“Meeting awesome athletes and supporters, and watching colleagues step up and spend time with them, was heartwarming. Inclusivity at its best.”
Eleven visiting Australian Police also joined the Torch Run and ceremonies, adding to the spirit of camaraderie. “Our Aussie cousins sure know how to have a good time,” Julie laughed.
As for highlights? There were plenty. “Welcoming the Torch with Canterbury athletes, walking with six-year-old Jonty at the opening ceremony, and carrying the Torch out as the host city with Nathan, a 6’7” basketballer – those moments were gold. And yes, I now know how Taylor Swift feels with all the photos!”
Among those helping to make the Games a success was Inspector Rupert Friend, pictured above, who has been involved with the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for a decade.
Rupert first joined LETR in 2015, organising a Final Leg run for the Trans-Tasman Games in Hamilton. Since then, he has coordinated LETR components at multiple National Summer Games and, earlier this year, represented New Zealand at the World Winter Games in Turin, Italy.
Rupert described Christchurch as “an amazing event.”
“To be able to bring the torch into the Opening Ceremony and provide a Guard of Honour for the Flame of Hope, before Assistant Commissioner Mike Johnson lit the cauldron with one of the local athletes, was an honour for the staff and a highlight for many people present,” he said.
“The number of photos I had taken where the athletes wore my hat – I couldn’t count. It is such a great way to build trust with a vulnerable part of our community and celebrate their successes. We are honoured to be part of such a special event.”
Looking ahead, Rupert is focused on growing LETR’s reach.
“LETR has expanded over the last couple of years, with the introduction of Polar Plunges each year. We will be looking to formalise membership of LETR with as many Police staff as possible in the New Year.
“Our vision is to have staff in all regions who will drop in to an event, or even training for 20 minutes and say hello, so we can keep in contact with our athletes on a more regular basis,” he said.
“If people think we do this to put smiles on the faces of the athletes, you should see the smiles the athletes put on our faces.
"As one of the Canterbury staff said to me at the Opening Ceremony: ‘It is so refreshing to walk into a room where our uniform is welcomed by over 1,000 people and everyone is pleased to see you!’”