Police and Special Olympics athletes will carry the Flame of Hope through Dunedin on Saturday and Invercargill on Sunday as part of the nationwide Law Enforcement Torch Run.

In Dunedin, participants will gather outside the Dunedin Central Police station at 12pm on Saturday 29 November, departing at 12.15pm. The route heads to the Octagon, where athletes and supporters will stay on for games.

In Invercargill, the group meets at Stadium Southland, 18 Surrey Park Road, at 12pm on Sunday 30 November, setting off at 12.15pm for a lap of the athletics track, followed by speeches and a torch lighting.

Police will join athletes, coaches, families and supporters from South Canterbury, Otago, South Otago and Southland. “Lighting the Flame of Hope means that the games are just around the corner,” Special Olympics Chief Executive Fran Scholey said.

The Torch Run began in Northland on 4 October and has been making its way south ahead of the National Summer Special Olympics Games.

Media are invited to attend both events for photos and interviews with local athletes and Police.