During the march, different athletes carried the Special Olympics Flame of Hope, part of the nationwide Law Enforcement Torch Run. Torches from each end of New Zealand are being carried to the venue of the Games in Wellington.
The torch runs are used to help fundraise as well as raise awareness about the Games.
People came out of Oamaru’s shops to cheer on the athletes.
Special Olympics North Otago spokeswoman Susan Pennycook said the district would send 16 athletes and five coaches.
She was pleased with the support shown by the public for the team.
"It’s awesome."
Oamaru competitive swimmer Liam Bartley said he was looking forward to the national event and he hoped to bring home gold to North Otago.
In Invercargill,
athletes, police and local celebrities ran the torch through Queen’s Park on September 30. In Dunedin, athletes and emergency services personnel carried the torch through central Dunedin from the police station on Great King St to the Octagon on October 3.
After Oamaru’s run the torch would go to Timaru and then on to Christchurch on Sunday.Special Olympics chief executive Kathy Gibson said it was important to remember disabilities were part of the athletes, but did not define them.
"They face daily challenges that they must overcome but they also have their own abilities and strengths just like everyone else."
The torch runs began on September 30 in Invercargill and Kerikeri and were due to end in a ceremony on November 24 in Wellington. The Games run from November 27 to December 1.
