Special Olympics torch to run through Barnsley

Latest news in Yorkshire: August 03, 2017 12:57:28 PM

Special Olympics GB’s National Games are to be held in Sheffield and South Yorkshire this August and the Official Special Olympics Torch Run with the ‘Flame of Hope’, will commence ten days before the start of the Games on Thursday 27 July.

Barnsley will host the first of three legs of the journey on Friday 8 August as the torch will depart Barnsley Town Hall with the help of Mayor Elect, Cllr Steve Green at approximately 10.30am for an arrival at the New Barnsley Markets for 11am.

The torch lighting ceremony will be held at the memorial to Dr William Penny Brookes at the Holy Trinity Church in Wilmore Street, Much Wenlock, North Shropshire – the historic birthplace of the modern Olympic Games.

Special Olympics GB’s National Games will see in the region of 2,600 athletes with intellectual (learning) disabilities take part in 20 sports events.  Special Olympics GB’s tenth National Summer Games will be held for the second time in Sheffield – the first time was back in the steel city in 1993.

The  2017 Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Great Britain will transport the ‘Flame of Hope’ from Much Wenlock on an exciting tour of towns and cities over a 10 day period.  The ‘Flame of Hope’ will be escorted by representatives from the police forces.

After travelling over 200 miles through 10 towns, cities and locations, The Flame of Hope will arrive at Bramall Lane in Sheffield on Tuesday 8 August and make its way to the Special Olympics GB National Games Opening Ceremony.

Special Olympics would like to thank most sincerely PS Darren Hendleman from South Yorkshire Police and the Wenlock Olympian Society for the organisation and support.

Special Olympics GB’s National Summer Games will kick off with a spectacular Olympic-style Opening Ceremony on Tuesday 8 August at Sheffield United Football Club, Bramall Lane – and will continue with four days of sport.

Special Olympics GB is the largest registered charity providing year round sports training and competition opportunities for people with intellectual (learning) disabilities.  This event is the largest disability sports event of 2017 and entry is free to the public for all the sporting action.

Yorkshire Photography

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