Source: New Zealand Police
Police will be part of something special, supporting Central District’s Special Olympics athletes to carry the Flame of Hope in support of the Special Olympic Games.
Media is invited to the Central leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run, hosted by Central District Police.
What: Law Enforcement Torch Run – Central District
Where: Meet at E-Bikes carpark, Church Street, Palmerston North, then finish in The Square, Palmerston North
When: 10am on Saturday 8 November 2025
Who: District Special Olympics athletes, coaches, families and Police staff
RSVP: Please email media@police.govt.nz
Media are welcome to take photos, video footage and conduct interviews with athletes and Police staff.
The event will start at the Palmerston North Police Station before the torch makes its way down Church Street to The Square.
The New Zealand Law Enforcement Torch Run started in Northland in early October and will travel all the way down to Southland. It concludes in Christchurch the week before the Special Olympics Games begin.
Known as Guardians of the Flame, Police members carry the Flame of Hope as it traverses the country.
The countdown is on:
The Special Olympics Games will be held at the new Wolfbrook Arena from Wednesday 10 December until Sunday 14 of December.
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.
“The Torch Run has grown over the years and now includes many fundraising platforms, including Polar Plunges.
“We held two plunges in Wellington and Christchurch this year, where a total of $26,000 was raised for our New Zealand athletes.
“The Law Enforcement Torch Run is a worldwide organisation and celebrated this year raising $1 billion to support the athletes of Special Olympics.
“We encourage all Kiwis to come out and show their support at Torch Run events up and down the country from October to December leading up to the games.”
Police contact: Inspector Mark Harrison 021 1907 805
Special Olympics contact: Coen Lammers 021 730 239
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
