Source: New Zealand Police
Media is invited to attend the Tasman Law Enforcement Torch Run event to take photos and interview participants, including some of the local Special Olympics stars.
What: Law Enforcement Torch Run in Nelson
Where: Meet outside the Nelson Police station at 9am. Departing at 9.15am, and finishing at the church steps at the top of Trafalgar Street.
When: Saturday 22 November 2025
Who: Tasman District Special Olympics athletes, coaches, families and police
Police contact: Rupert Friend 021 191 1263
Special Olympics contact: Coen Lammers 021 730 239
Police will be part of something special this weekend supporting Tasman’s Special Olympics athletes to carry the Flame of Hope.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run will happen this Saturday 22 November at 9.15am and marks the countdown to the National Summer Special Olympics Games.
Known as Guardians of the Flame police members, along with Special Olympics athletes from Marlborough, Motueka, Nelson and West Coast, will carry the Flame of Hope to get local communities excited about the Games.
Athletes, supporters and Police will assemble at 9am, and start moving at 9.15am. The route will take us from the Nelson Police station, down Bridge Street, then up Trafalgar Street.
“Seeing the Flame of Hope means that the games are just around the corner,” says Special Olympics Chief Executive Fran Scholey.
The New Zealand Law Enforcement Torch Run, which started in Northland on October 4, is working its way down to Southland, before it ends up in Christchurch in the week before the games start.
The countdown is on:
The Special Olympics Games will be held at the new Wolfbrook Arena from Wednesday 10 until Sunday 14 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.”
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
