Bundaberg police hope to raise $24k for Olympic stars

DON'T be alarmed if you see police officers running around Bundaberg CBD today because it is all for a good cause.

Bundaberg's Special Olympic stars will join forces with Bundaberg Police for the Law Enforcement Torch Run.

The aim of the run is to fundraise for Special Olympics Queensland and to give Queensland Police Service staff experience working with people with an intellectual disability.

Bundaberg Police CIB administration officer Jean Smith said there would be about 50 participants.

"We try and conduct a flame of hope torch run every year," Mrs Smith said.

"They hold them in towns and cities across Queensland," she said.

"We will be starting off at 10am from Hinkler Shopping Centre and doing a circuit of Bourbong St and then crossing to Anzac Pool where there will be speeches from Bundaberg MP Jack Dempsey and Bundaberg Deputy Mayor David Batt."

Mrs Smith said once the officers arrived at the pool, 20 of them would swim 1km each to help raise funds for seven local special Olympic athletes to attend the National Games in Melbourne next month.

"It costs each athlete $3500 so it's $24,500 we are trying to help raise and hopefully when people see us running they will chuck some money into those buckets," she said.

Cr Batt said he was happy to be involved with this year's campaign and encouraged locals to get behind the athletes and donate what they could.

Traffic will be disrupted on Electra St, Barolin St, Targo St and Bourbong St between Barolin and Tantitha Sts today between 10am and 11.30am and motorists are asked to take care when passing in the opposite lane.

Those unable to make the run can donate via credit card at mycause.

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