Olympic torch run through Rotorua gets police escort

Senior Constable Anna Rossi and Special Olympian Annette Baird take a turn with the flame. Photo/Stephen Parker.

The Olympic flame made a dash through Rotorua yesterday and it had a police escort.

The Special Olympics Rotorua team carried the torch from the City Focus to the Rotorua District Council to mark the lead-up to the Special Olympics New Zealand National Summer Games, which start in Dunedin next week.

The torch was carried first by Maureen McLeod, the only member of the 2013 team to win a gold medal at the 2009 games. Maureen competed in the 10-pin bowling last time but this year would be in the basketball team.

"We're really looking forward to it," said Special Olympics Rotorua basketball team manager Stella McLeod, who also took part in the torch run.

"We hope to bring back more gold medals this year. The games are partly about giving them the experience as well as the feeling of competing.

"They've all worked really hard and this torch run builds on the excitement."

The Special Olympians were joined by members of Rotorua police with police cars escorting the walk along the streets.

"The police really enjoy it," said Inspector Mark Harrison, who is police liaison for the torch run.

"It's quite inspirational for us - what they face every day and then train to do sports, it's amazing."

There are 26 members of Special Olympics Rotorua travelling to Dunedin for the games. They will compete in 10-pin bowling, basketball and aquatics.