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Whyalla embraced the Olympic Games spirit this week as the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) passed through the city.
The run is being held to support the 11th National Games of the Special Olympics which start in Adelaide on Monday, April 16. Law enforcement officers, along with students and staff from the Whyalla Special Education Centre, participated in the run which went through the city streets of Whyalla and finished at Ada Ryan Gardens.
They were carrying the Flame of Hope which lit a cauldron in the gardens as a symbol of lighting the way forward in an inclusive and supportive community. Stuart High School students sang the national anthem and some backing music and songs for the event.
A spokesperson from the Whyalla Special Education Centre said the event was a special one for students and staff.
“The students and staff had an awesome time,” the spokesperson said.
“We were really glad we could participate.”
Whyalla Mayor Lyn Breuer was one of the key speakers at the event which was also attended by Member for Giles Eddie Hughes.
“It’s my privilege to welcome the participants of the Law Enforcement Torch Run in acknowledgment of the Special Olympics,” Mayor Breuer said.
“This location (Ada Ryan Gardens) provides a wonderful setting for such an event and we are delighted to host this function.
“Here in Whyalla we have many facilities and people supporting those with intellectual special needs and I applaud those members in our local community who provide immeasurable support to fellow community members with intellectual challenges.
“To the South Australia Special Olympics athletes’ relatives, carers and friends, I applaud your financial and emotional commitment that provides athletes with opportunities to participate in sport week after week.
“I also commend the South Australian Police for providing such a magnificent visual symbol of unity and support and I’m amazed how big the LETR has developed to raise funds for the Special Olympics
“To all the athletes, you teach us that no matter what challenges we are faced with, we give it our best shot and we do it with good grace.
“You are an inspiration to us all.”
The torch was handed over to South Australia by the previous hosts Victoria in Mildura on Monday before travelling through the Riverland and to Whyalla on Tuesday. It is now weaving its way around regional SA before arriving at Government House in Adelaide on Monday, April 16 in time for the Games.
Commencing in Kansas, USA, in 1981, the LETR started as a community engagement event, involving a handful of local police officers at a Special Olympics event. Today LETR is the largest grass roots community fundraising supporter of Special Olympics and has since spread to almost 50 countries.
“To all the athletes, you teach us that no matter what challenges we are faced with, we give it our best shot and we do it with good grace. You are an inspiration to us all.” - Mayor Lyn Breuer
In Australia, the first Law Enforcement Torch Run was in 2002 prior to the 2002 Special Olympics Australian National Games when members of the police services of New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania participated in a run from Hobart to Sydney. Since then, Law Enforcement officers around the country have provided support and fundraising for Special Olympics National Games (held every four years) as well as local sports programs, local carnivals, State, Interstate and International competitions.
Last year LETR raised over $250,000 for Special Olympics Australia.
For more information on the Adelaide Special Olympics go to http://www.specialolympics.com.au/nationalgames2018
Pictures: Alberto Salatino