VIC

Flame of Hope in safe hands

We all know how hard it is to keep LETR Chief Matt Volk away from a Torch Run.

It seems the Berliners are having even less luck with word reaching LETR Victoria that our Matt managed to manoeuvre his way into not one, not two but FIVE Torch Runs in a single day!

You can’t keep a good man down.

As the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023 draws nearer, the international LETR team are on a mission to carry the Flame of Hope to as many World Games athletes as possible.

Carrying the Flame through the picturesque German towns of Furstenwalde, Rudersdorf, Panketal, Bernau and Eberswalde, Matt and his Torch Runner mates were blown-away by the hospitality of the locals and support for the intellectually disabled athletes.

“I got to run with the Flame of Hope today with an athlete from Southern California,” said Matt from Berlin.

“His name is Brett Laza, he is 31 and has been in Special Olympics for 19 years, 12 of those with LETR.

“He specializes in track and field but also loves playing tennis, bowling, volleyball and swimming.

“He competed in the 2018 US World Games in Seattle and walked away with three medals. What a star!

“I asked Brett what the highlight of his Final Leg journey had been and he said meeting new people and making new friends.

“How bloody good is that!

“We’ve given Brett some LETR Vic gear and he is now our newest recruit.

“Welcome aboard, Brett!”

Spoiler alert – Matt is soon off to Potsdam, the home base for Team Australia!

Is he looking forward to catching up with the Aussie athletes?

Matt: “Soooo excited”.

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