Athletes carry torch as Games approach

Dunedin police officers teamed with some of Otago’s top athletes to usher the Special Olympics National Summer Games’ Flame of Hope through the city on Saturday.

Between December 11 and 13, the 2025 Games will be held in Christchurch, and Dunedin will send a 80-strong contingent of athletes and support people.

Swimmer Tyrone Kyle will be making his triumphant return.

He competed for Palmerston North in 2017, but has since moved south and will now represent Dunedin in the 50m freestyle, backstroke and 25m butterfly events.

On Saturday, Mr Kyle took part in the the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR), where he helped carry the Flame of Hope from the Dunedin Central Police Station to the Octagon.

All the athletes got a turn at holding the torch during the walk to the Octagon. After speeches, the flame was lit.

Senior Sergeant Brian Benn said the torch run began in Northland on October 4.

This week, it will head back to Christchurch for the beginning of the Games.

"This is mainly for law enforcement and the Special Olympics to interact, have a little bit of fun and get involved in some sport."

LETR is a worldwide organisation and this year celebrated raising $1 billion to support the athletes of Special Olympics.

Yesterday, athletes, supporters, and police assembled at Stadium Southland to carry the Flame of Hope around the athletics track.

laine.priestley@odt.co.nz