Police will join Special Olympics athletes, coaches and families for the Central District leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run in Palmerston North on Saturday 8 November 2025.

The torch is scheduled to set off at 10am from the Palmerston North Police Station, travel down Church Street and finish in The Square. Media have been asked to meet at the E-Bikes carpark on Church Street; photographs, video and interviews with athletes and Police staff are welcome.

The Torch Run began in Northland in October and will travel the length of the country before concluding in Christchurch the week before the Special Olympics Games. The Games are set for 10–14 December at the new Wolfbrook Arena.

Inspector Rupert Friend said the event is about raising awareness and funds for Special Olympics. He noted the Torch Run now spans multiple fundraising efforts, including Polar Plunges that raised $26,000 in Wellington and Christchurch this year, and that the worldwide movement has marked $1 billion raised to support Special Olympics athletes.

People are encouraged to come out and show support along the route, and at Torch Run events around the country in the lead-up to December’s Games.