Queensland Police Service officers are accompanying Special Olympics athletes as the Flame of Hope travels through Southeast Queensland toward Melbourne for the 2026 Special Olympics Australia National Games. The relay, part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run, began moving through the region this week, with athletes and officers visiting Alexandra Headland, the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Beerwah and Australia Zoo. Community members gathered along the route to support the participants. Queensland Police have supported the torch run for 20 years. Superintendent Craig Hawkins and Inspector Jason Shepherd said the event strengthens relationships between police and communities while highlighting the achievements of Special Olympics athletes. The flame is scheduled to pass through Brisbane, the Redlands and the Gold Coast before reaching Coolangatta, where Queensland Police will hand it to the New South Wales Police Force. The relay will continue across Australia before arriving in Melbourne, with the national games set to begin on Oct. 19. Post navigation Woman Faces 41 Fraud Charges