The Law Enforcement Torch Run is a yearly event where San Diego County law enforcement agencies carry the Special Olympics “Flame of Hope” through San Diego County from Chula Vista to San Clemente, it eventually reaches its final destination at the Summer Games in Long Beach.
The ceremonial lighting of the Torch will begin on May 29 at 9:30 a.m. at the Chula Vista Police Department Memorial Wall located at 315 Fourth Avenue in Chula Vista.
After the ceremony, officers will begin the first leg of the run that starts at 10:15 a.m. and continues through Del Mar where the Torch is laid to rest for the evening. The final leg of the LETR will begin at 6:30 a.m. on May 30 in Del Mar and will continue through Camp Pendleton with the help of the Marines and NCIS, before being handed off to the Orange County Sherriff’s Department.
Law enforcement collects donations for their participation in the LETR and are sponsored by civic groups, local businesses and generous donors. Forty-eight nations participate in the LETR and more than 142,000 law enforcement officers volunteer their time for this event across the world. The LETR has become the largest grassroots fundraiser for Special Olympics and has raised more than half a billion dollars for Special Olympics worldwide.
“I have been a volunteer for Special Olympics for over 15 years and do so because of their commitment to serving an underserved segment of our communities,” said Chief Jon Froomin, city of Coronado Police Department. “Our athletes defy the odds regularly by accomplishing tasks industry professionals tell them are impossible. They do so with dignity, respect for their fellow competitors, and a heartwarming smile. Our athletes participate for free. Special Olympics San Diego and its law enforcement partners work hard to raise the funds necessary to provide these athletes with a world class experience.”
The public is encouraged to attend the opening ceremony where various San Diego County police chiefs will speak to the community about the LETR. Thomas Selbe, recent bronze medalist in the 2017 World Games and Global Messenger for Special Olympics, will also be speaking at the ceremony.
–-Special Olympics San Diego County
