Special Olympics athlete, Chelsea Stebbing, lights the cauldron with AFP A/Commander Shane McLennan at QPS Headquarters.
The Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run lit up Brisbane today, with representatives of the Queensland Police Service joining with athletes to celebrate International Day of People with Disability and launch the QPS Accessibility Advisory Network.
A shortened torch run began at Makerson Street and ended at QPS Headquarters on Roma Street, where Special Olympics athlete, Chelsea Stebbing, lit the cauldron alongside Australian Federal Police officer, Acting Commander Shane McLennan.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run introduces Special Olympics athletes to police officers, and is designed to break down barriers between special people and people in authority who are there to support them.
This morning, the torch was escorted by two Special Olympics athletes and officers, beginning with athlete Lachlan Mackay and Senior Sergeant Matt Herring, who has long been an advocate and supporter of people with disability.
“Sometimes it is just a matter of ensuring people with disabilities feel included by considering what they can do, rather than what they can’t,” Snr Sgt Herring said.
“It was incredibly inspirational to hear of Lachlan, Chelsea, and the other athletes’ sporting accomplishments.
“Their resilience is something we can all learn from.”
The torch run also heralds the launch of the QPS Accessibility Advisory Network.
The purpose of the network is to improve opportunities and conditions in the QPS for people who have permanent or progressive impairments.
Through this network, the QPS will be able to support future opportunities for all members of the community.
Congratulations to the athletes and all those involved in this morning’s run and the launch of the Accessibility Advisory Network!
