Police Officers relay Special Olympics torch

Latest news in Yorkshire: August 05, 2017 12:35:38 PM

Officers joined athletes for a torch relay through Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham today, as the countdown to the Special Olympics GB National Games 2017 continued.

Sgt Aneela Khalil-Khan, PC Nicholas Finnigan, Sgt Vicky Sowerby and PC James Beck took to the streets alongside athletes from the event, which starts in Sheffield on Tuesday.

PC Beck said: “It was an honour to be selected to carry the flame of hope on the Rotherham leg of the run.

“I’d like to wish everyone involved in the Special Olympics the best of luck and look forward to following the progress of the games.”

Sgt Khalil-Khan added: “To be hosting part of the build-up as well as the some of the competition in Rotherham is fantastic and I’m delighted to have been part of the torch run.

“What a great way to showcase sporting achievement here on our doorstep. Thankfully the rain stayed away today so that we could enjoy the occasion.”

Assistant Chief Constable David Hartley will receive the torch from Sergeant Hendleman at the opening ceremony, where he will light the symbolic cauldron to mark the official start of the Special Olympics GB National Games 2017.

The games will be held between Tuesday 8 August and Friday 11 August at venues across the region and will witness around 2,600 athletes with intellectual (learning) disabilities take part in 20 events.

Special Olympics GB is the largest registered charity providing year round sports training and competition opportunities for people with intellectual (learning) disabilities.

The event is the largest disability sports event of 2017 and while tickets are on sale for the opening ceremony, entry is free to the public for all the sporting action.

For more information on the games, please visit: www.specialolympicsgb.org.uk

Tuesday 8 August torch run in Sheffield

Meadowhall – 10.30am departs police HQ, Carbrook Hall – arrives Meadowhall Shopping Centre at 11am.
Weston Park – 2.55pm departs Crookes Valley Park – arrives Weston Park, near the museum, at 3.30pm.
Bramall Lane – 7.20pm departs Town Hall – arrives Bramall Lane at 8pm,

*All timings approximate and may be subject to change.

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