In partnership with the Law Enforcement Torch Run Victoria (LETR) and Ararat Rural City Council, Special Olympics Victoria will visit Ararat on Wednesday April 26.

They will conduct a torch run along Barkly Street, Vincent Street and Alexandra Gardens.

Up to 30 people with a disability will participate in the run.

It will be followed by sports ‘come and try’ activities at Alexandra Oval, with more than 100 participants from Skene Street Special School, Pinnacle Disability Services and Ararat Primary School.

Local community members can run with the flame of hope.

Special Olympics Victoria sports development manager Simon Rodder said it was a wonderful opportunity to provide support to those who need it most.

“People with an intellectual disability are the largest disability population in Australia,” he said.

“We hope to provide sporting opportunities for those in Ararat who may not have previously had access.” 

Special Olympics Victoria will look to establish relationships with local government authorities, sporting clubs, specialist schools and community organisations, with a view to establish a foundation for ongoing support of people with an intellectual disability in Ararat.

“We are looking at building relationships that will allow us to establish a local Special Olympics club, providing sustained support for people with an intellectual disability in Ararat,” Mr Rodder said.

The torch run will begin at the Ararat Police Station at 10am, before making its way to Alexandra Oval by 10:30am where a lighting of the cauldron and introduction to events will take place.

From 10.45am to 12.15pm a variety of ‘come and try’ sports events will take place with rotations supervised by local clubs and Sports Assembly.

The day will conclude with a barbecue lunch provided by the Ararat Lions Club.​