The Law Enforcement Torch run for the Special Olympics took place in Kilkenny yesterday. Local Special Olympic athletes and law enforcement officers from around the world carried the Special Olympic torch to Kilkenny Castle, where a reception was held in the historic parade tower. 

The Special Olympics could not take place without the help of its army of volunteers. If you want to get involved with the Special Olympics, you can find all the information you need to get involved here

Law Enforcement  officers from around the globe will be coming to Ireland to celebrate the ten year anniversary of the Special Olympics World Summer Games held here in 2003.

They will be walking in the parade with the Special Olympics Team Ireland Athletes who will be took part in the World Winter Games in South Korea in January 2013 and will be carrying the Special Olympics Torch in the parade.

For the first time since 2003, these US officers will take the “Flame of Hope” through the streets of Ireland, visiting Dublin then on to Kilkenny on Tuesday the 19th for a very special Torch Run with local athletes. Everyone is invited to show their support at the Parade at 12:00

Kilkenny’s  first gathering event of the year took place on New Years Day in Castlecomer, when around 10,000f people turned out for the 33rd annual Wellie Race. This year, the race featured an international element, with Tyler Chuang of Toronto declared International World Wellie Race Champion!

Competitors were encouraged to run in the national colours of their home or adopted countries. Thousands of euros were raised for a variety of charities, and you can see s gallery of the highlights at the wellie races Facebook page here.