Ms JODIE HARRISON (Charlestown—Minister for Women, Minister for Seniors, and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault)— On Sunday 15 October, Club Charlestown hosted the Special Olympics State Bocce competition. This event embodies the spirit of unity and inclusivity, bringing communities together through the power of sport.

I couldn't think of a better sport than bocce to highlight the uniting power of sport, as it was brought to our shores by Italian immigrants who came to Australia to build a new life.

It is a sporting symbol of our multicultural nation! Club Charlestown has a long history with the game, serving as the venue for bocce at the 2013 Special Olympics Asia-Pacific Games.

This year's competition was kicked off by a Torch Run, where an athlete and Police officer run with 'The Flame of Hope' before the ceremonial lighting of the cauldron. The torch symbolises hope, determination, and the pursuit of excellence for athletes of all abilities.

My thanks to Lake Macquarie Police District Acting Commander Darren Beeche for leading the police delegation from LMPD, to Club Charlestown for organising and hosting the event, and to all the athletes who participated.

A Community Recognition Notice is an opportunity for an MP to submit a short statement praising the work of an individual or group in the local community. If you have any ideas about people I can recognise with a Community Recognition Notice, please email and let me know!