Media is invited to attend both Tuesday's Law Enforcement Torch Run event and Wednesday's Opening Ceremony. Come along to take photos and interview participants and their supporters.
Tuesday
What: Law Enforcement Torch Run.
Where: Meet at Victoria Square at 11:45am, Christchurch.
When: Tuesday 9 December 2025, departing at 12pm, and finishing at Bridge of Remembrance by 1pm.
Who: Canterbury District Special Olympics athletes, coaches, families and police.
Wednesday
What: Opening Ceremony - Special Olympics NZ - National Summer Games 2025.
Where: Wolfbrook Arena, Jack Hinton Drive, Christchurch.
When: Wednesday 10 December 2025, 4:00pm.
Who: Over 1,200 athletes, team management and supporters.
The day before the Special Olympics Games start, Police will be part of something special supporting Canterbury's Special Olympics athletes to carry the Flame of Hope.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run will happen on Tuesday 9 December at 12:00pm.
Known as Guardians of the Flame police members, along with Special Olympics athletes from Mid Canterbury, North Canterbury and Canterbury, will carry the Flame of Hope through Christchurch to get the local community excited about the Games.
Athletes, supporters, and Police will assemble at 11:45am, and start moving at 12:00pm. The route will take us from Victoria Square to The Bridge of Remembrance, along Oxford Terrace, Christchurch.
Inspector Rupert Friend from New Zealand Police says, "We are proud to take part in the Law Enforcement Torch Run to help raise awareness and funds for the Special Olympics movement".
"Athletes experience moments of joy, dignity and pride that come with being part of the Special Olympics community, and Police encourage all kiwis to get behind it.
"Come out and encourage the athletes and teams," says Inspector Friend. "Support the Games and be part of something special."
The New Zealand Law Enforcement Torch Run, which started in Northland on October 4, has worked its way down to Southland and is arriving in Christchurch the day before the games begin.
Police help carry the Flame of Hope, and unite with Special Olympics athletes, to promote respect, inclusion and human dignity for people with intellectual disabilities through sport.
The Opening Ceremony
The Special Olympics NZ National Summer Games happens once every four years and athletes gather from around the country. It will be held at the new Wolfbrook Arena 10-14 December.
More than 1,200 athletes have qualified to compete at the highest national level.
At the Opening Ceremony the Olympic Flame of Hope will be lit to inspire everyone involved in this very special competition.
"Lighting the Flame of Hope means that the games are just around the corner," says Special Olympics Chief Executive Fran Scholey.
