THE Special Olympics National Games’ Flame of Hope passed through the Wimmera on Friday.
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The torch is a symbol of inclusion, hope and opportunity for those with an intellectual disability.
Horsham Special School students carried the torch from Horsham Police Station to May Park with a police escort.
The runners were welcomed with a traditional smoking ceremony and a Barengi Gadjin Land Council didgeridoo performance.
Horsham Mayor David Grimble and representatives from Special Olympics Victoria, the Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly and Victoria Police spoke about the Wimmera getting involved in sport for the intellectually disabled.
The sports assembly’s All Abilities project manager Matt Berry said the May Park turn-out exceeded expectations.
Mr Berry said the assembly had a partnership with Special Olympics Victoria to create pathways for people with intellectual disabilities to participate in different sports.
Special Olympics Victoria community development co-ordinator Tanya Files said she had high hopes for the new partnership, which would start with a focus on swimming, basketball and tenpin.
“We hope we can develop sporting opportunities for those with intellectual disabilities living in the Wimmera,” she said.
Victoria Police Senior Sergeant Michael Olsen said he was pleased with the Wimmera’s support for the games. “It’s sensational that’s everyone is embracing the concept of the Special Olympics,” he said.
The Special Olympics National Games will be in Melbourne from Monday until Saturday.