Queensland Police Service (QPS) officers are walking alongside Special Olympic athletes this week, as they carry the Flame of Hope through Southeast Queensland on its way to Victoria.
With thousands of kilometres still to travel before the flame reaches Melbourne for the 2026 Special Olympics Australia National Games, QPS is accompanying athletes on one the movement’s most symbolic traditions, the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR).
For 20 years, QPS officers have proudly supported the LETR, which raises awareness of the Special Olympics movement.
This year, officers are walking side-by-side with athletes, carrying the Flame of Hope through communities across Southeast Queensland and drawing strong support from residents along the way.
Sunshine Coast District Officer, Superintendent Craig Hawkins, met athletes as they arrived at one of the first stops at Alexandra Headland and reflected on the close bond that has formed between police and athletes over the years.
“Queensland Police are proud to play a part in helping athletes carry the flame on its journey to Melbourne and to shine a light on the incredible achievements of Special Olympics competitors,” Superintendent Hawkins said.
“The relationships our officers build through events like this are incredibly valuable.
“They strengthen the connection between police and the community and reinforce our commitment to supporting Queenslanders from all walks of life.”
Athletes, officers and supporters gathered at Alexandra Headland this morning before carrying the flame to Alex Bluff Foreshore Park, where members of the community turned out to cheer them on.
The relay later travelled through the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and into Beerwah, where athletes and officers were welcomed at Australia Zoo by staff, visitors and Beerwah Police.
Southern Patrol Group Inspector Jason Shepherd said the event demonstrated the unique ability of sport to unite people.
“Sport has a remarkable way of bringing communities together,” Inspector Shepherd said.
“It creates friendships, builds confidence and fosters connections that extend far beyond the sporting arena.
“As police officers, building relationships within our communities is at the heart of what we do, which is why supporting the Law Enforcement Torch Run remains so important.”
The relay will continue through Brisbane on Friday evening, passing both Australian Federal Police and QPS Headquarters before crossing to South Bank for a community celebration with athletes and supporters.
Over the weekend, the Flame of Hope will travel through the Redlands and to the Gold Coast before reaching Coolangatta, where Queensland Police will formally hand the flame to the New South Wales Police Force.
The symbolic handover highlights the nationwide commitment of Australian law enforcement agencies to the Special Olympics movement, with police services across multiple states and territories working together to escort athletes and carry the flame across the country.
Soon, several QPS officers will join law enforcement colleagues from across Australia in Melbourne, where they will stand alongside athletes as the Flame of Hope arrives and the National Games officially commence.
Sergeant Brett Price, founder and president of LETR Queensland, acknowledged the efforts of athletes and police helping to safely deliver the torch to Melbourne.
“The message of the Torch Run is simple: when we come together, we are stronger together. When that flame enters the arena and the national games begin, it will mark the conclusion of one incredible journey, before another one begins.”
The Special Olympics Australia National Games are set to commence on 19 October.
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