Police will join Special Olympics athletes to carry the Flame of Hope through Auckland this weekend, with three Law Enforcement Torch Run events scheduled across the city.

The runs are part of a national relay leading into the Special Olympics Games, which will be held at Christchurch’s Wolfbrook Arena from Wednesday 10 to Sunday 14 December.

Organisers say athletes, supporters and Police staff will assemble at each location to carry the flame. Police describe participants as “Guardians of the Flame,” a long‑standing tradition of law enforcement support for Special Olympics.

Auckland events:

• Auckland Central: Meet at Victoria Park (Victoria Street West and Beaumont Street, Freemans Bay), Saturday 11 October 2025, 10am.
• Weymouth, South Auckland: Meet at Mountfort Park, 10 Sykes Road (opposite the swimming pools), Sunday 12 October 2025, 10am. This is the first Law Enforcement Torch Run for the Counties Manukau District.
• Pukekohe, South Auckland: Meet at Navigation Homes Stadium (lower car park), 21 Stadium Drive, Pukekohe, Sunday 12 October 2025, 2pm.

“Lighting the Flame of Hope means that the games are just around the corner,” Special Olympics Chief Executive Fran Scholey said.

The New Zealand Law Enforcement Torch Run started in Northland on 4 October and will continue south through to Southland in the lead-up to the Games. Media have been invited to attend the Auckland runs for photos, video and interviews with athletes and Police.