Flame of Hope and Polar Plunge to support athletes

The World Games are being held in Berlin from the 17to 25 June, with more than 7000 athletes from 170 countries, over 23,000 support and coaching staff as well as thousands more friends and family in attendance.

The Special Olympics is the world's largest sports event for people with intellectual disabilities.

SA Police employees – both sworn officers and non-sworn staff – will this week participate in the torch run as 'Guardians of the Flame of Hope', running alongside Special Olympics athletes. The event will take place at Glenelg on Sunday 28 May.

The "Flame of Hope" awareness run will commence at 11am at the eastern end of Jetty Road and proceed west along Jetty Road, through Moseley Square and pass the Glenelg Jetty before ending at Brian Nadilo Reserve.

A short presentation to athletes representing Australia from South Australia at the Special Olympics World Games will take place after which LETR and supporters will undertake their inaugural cold water event: the "Polar Plunge", a swim in the chilly waters off the Glenelg beach which acknowledges the tenacity shown by SO Athletes worldwide.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the event and support the athletes heading to the games. The Police Band will be performing and an opportunity to meet the athletes will be available to the public.

­­­The Law Enforcement Torch Run began in 1981 in Kansas, with law enforcement professionals from more than 45 countries participating since then to raise money and awareness for Special Olympics.

Police ask motorists to take care to ensure runners proceed safely. There may be some minor traffic delays; however police will be present to ensure the run progresses safely.

For more information about the Special Olympics Australia National Games visit the website: Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023

To contribute donations to SA Special Olympics Athletes visit: https://sa.torchrun.org.au/