100-day countdown to Special Olympics National Summer Games

The countdown to the Special Olympics National Summer Games is on.

Special Olympics athletes today lit the Flame of Hope to mark the 100-day countdown to the beginning of the National Summer Games, which will be underway in Christchurch from 10-14 December.

The National Summer Games is the four-yearly pinnacle event for over 1200 Special Olympics athletes with an intellectual disability, representing 42 clubs, competing in 10 sports and six venues across the city, and supported by over 500 coaches and thousands of family and supporters.

The Flame of Hope will be taken around the country in collaboration with the New Zealand Police during the traditional Law Enforcement Torch Relay (LETR) to get local communities excited about the largest inclusive sports event.

“Lighting the Flame of Hope means that the games are just around the corner, so we hope Christchurch is ready for the biggest party of the year,” says Special Olympics Chief Executive Fran Scholey.

The Special Olympics athletes will be the first athletes to enjoy the brand-new Parakiore complex that will host the swimming and basketball competitions, as well as the Healthy Athletes Programme (HAP), where all athletes undergo several health checks.

“We can’t wait for all the teams to arrive in our city, and show off our fantastic new sports venues,” says Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger.

“We have been working closely with Special Olympics New Zealand and we are confident this event will be a huge success.”

Ms Scholey encourages Christchurch people to get involved in the games and not to miss one of the most exciting and unique sports events in the country.

“The National Summer Games are unlike any other event, from the opening ceremony at Wolfbrook Arena on December 10 until the Closing Ceremony Disco, which is the highlight for most athletes, so we hope people will come along to experience unforgettable memories and support our athletes.”

The Flame of Hope was lit at the Bridge of Remembrance in Christchurch by local Canterbury Special Olympics athletes and members of the New Zealand Police.

The New Zealand version will travel from Northland all the way down to Southland and will end up in Christchurch in the week before the games kick off.

The Law Enforcement Torch Relay is the traditional lead-in event for every National Summer Games around the world, where local police officers and local athletes carry the Flame of Hope through their cities to raise awareness for the games and allow the community to show their support.