Special spark burns bright

The iconic Olympic torch run stopped in to be carried by Special Olympics Marlborough athletes as they prepare for their most important four-yearly sporting event.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics New Zealand, a key fundraiser for the nationwide organisation, stopped at Westwood Business Park on Saturday afternoon ahead of the 2025 National Summer Games, from December 10 to 14 in Christchurch.

The National Summer Games is the country’s most prestigious sporting event for athletes with an intellectual disability, with 1200 athletes and thousands of support crew, games volunteers and family members from 42 nationwide clubs competing across 10 sports, with the Torch of Hope flame lit in Christchurch in September and travelling the country.

As Marlborough’s 32 athletes and their support teams approach the final few days before the opening ceremony at Wolfbrook Arena, many are hopeful for higher honours even with a larger and stronger field than the 2021 event allowed due to Covid safety concerns.

“The Games are the culmination of four years of hard work for each of our 32 athletes, and we’re super, super, super excited walking around today, getting a bit of fundraising and launching awareness around this Torch of Hope that goes around the country and meets us in Christchurch”, says Special Olympics coach Bob Tate.

“Our athletes and coaches each worked really hard at their individual sports, and the ability to compete is a victory in the first place but we’re definitely hopeful for some medals”.

The day’s primary torch bearer - Tasman Police Deployment Manager Hamish Chapman - and Marlborough branch operator of head sponsor Novus Glass Josh Cody, were each motivated by chatting to the athletes.

"Today in Marlborough, and in Nelson this morning, has been fantastic - it really grounds Police staff in the chance to interact with these athletes and understand them, then watch events in Christchurch”, says Hamish.

"Whether they’ll be riding horses, playing basketball, swimming, weightlifting, it’s just brilliant to hear their love for their sport and I see one still got his gold medal from four years ago but when we do this torch run in four years’ time we’d love to see more gold medals across the top of the South.

“But as a few athletes said to me this afternoon, just making friends with fellow athletes or reconnecting with friends they haven’t seen for a long time at the Games from around the country, so it’s huge to be involved.

“While it’s a national sponsorship we wanted show our local support, get involved with the running of the Torch, and meet athletes representing us”, commented Josh.

“It’s been really exciting to see how ready and raring to go they are, really keen to represent Marlborough well, so we’re definitely going to be keeping an eye on the results throughout as a team”.

To support Special Olympics Marlborough, donate to 03-1355-0532270-00 or text NOVUS to 3598.