Today, Port Stephens Mayor Bruce MacKenzie will accompany the NSW Police as the Special Olympics 2013 Asia Pacific Games “Flame of Hope” makes its way through the streets of Port Stephens ahead of the game’s Opening Ceremony in Newcastle on Sunday.

Law Enforcement Torch Run (NSW) is a charitable fund that comprises officers from the New South Wales Police Force, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, New South Wales Department of Corrective Services and the Australian Federal Police working together in support of Special Olympics New South Wales.

The Final Leg of this Law Enforcement Torch Run in support of the games started on Tuesday in Sydney and will make its way through Port Stephens tomorrow before arriving at the Opening Ceremony at Hunter Stadium.

A team of three Special Olympics athletes and 20 police officers will escort Mayor MacKenzie, local students and Port Stephens residents as official torch runners in the hope of raising awareness for the Special Olympics.

In Nelson Bay, the team will start at the Police Station and travel east on Government Road, then right into Church Street, then left into Donald Street, then left into Stockton Street, then right into Magnus Street, then left into Shoal Bay Road, then left into Victoria Parade arriving at the Foreshore at 3.30pm, where they will light the local Cauldron.

At 5.30pm, Mayor MacKenzie will accompany the torch as it makes its way from Raymond Terrace Police Station, travelling east on William Street; left into Adelaide Street; left into Kangaroo Street; left into Port Stephens Street; right into Swan Street; right into William Street; then right into Sturgeon Street before arriving at Raymond Terrace YMCA.

Following the lighting of the local Cauldron, celebrations will continue with food stalls, market stalls and entertainment.