Three in torch run

Three Peninsula residents took part in the Special Olympics "flame of hope" torch run through Gosford late last month.

Carley Chapman and Phillip Welsh of Umina and Chris McClean from Ettalong were joined by fellow local Special Olympic athletes as well as members of the local police force for the event.

The torch run was part of local celebrations in the lead-up to the Special Olympics Australia that was held in Adelaide earlier this month.

Ms Chapman was chosen to light the cauldron at Blue Tongue Stadium at the end of the Gosford leg of the torch run.

Every four years the Special Olympics hold its national games and the "flame of hope" torch is run by police officers from the Law Enforcement Torch Run in conjunction with athletes from the local Special Olympics group.

The torch was escorted by police officers along its route from Queensland to the next national games location in Adelaide, passing through regional towns as well as metropolitan areas.

The Gosford leg of the run saw the torch begin its journey at Showground Rd, travelling down Mann St and finishing at Bluetongue Stadium.

"Special Olympics is a not-for-profit association, run by volunteers, parents and carers, which provides sporting activities for people with an intellectual disability," publicity officer Ms Jenni Chapman said.

Ms Chapman said the 15 local athletes from the Central Coast would compete in athletics, aquatics, basketball, golf, soccer, tennis and ten-pin bowling.

Press release, 30 Mar 2010 Jenni Chapman, Umina