NEWS RELEASE: June 2, 2008
FROM: The Kansas Highway Patrol
CONTACT: Sergeant Derrick Mahoney (785) 845-5793
Kansas Law Enforcement Hit the Streets Running for Special Olympics
Law Enforcement Torch Run travels to Wichita to kick off Special Olympics Summer Games
Over 650 officers from over 60 agencies will carry the "Flame of Hope" throughout 28 counties in Kansas as they travel to the annual Special Olympics Summer Games held in Wichita. The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) is a series of statewide runs which began on May 30 and are traveling throughout the state during a week long journey.
The "Flame of Hope" will arrive in Wichita on Friday, June 5. Law Enforcement Officers, along with LP Esquibel, the 2008 Most Inspirational Athlete, will light the cauldron to officially open the 2009 Summer Games in front of over 2,400 athletes, coaches, and fans of Special Olympics. The Special Olympics Kansas Summer Games will be held June 5-7, 2009 at Wichita State University, in Wichita.
In Kansas approximately 135 law enforcement agencies will be participating in the annual "Click It or Ticket" campaign. The program is targeted at reducing the number of preventable deaths and injuries that occur when unbelted drivers and passengers are involved in traffic crashes. Troopers will be aggressively enforcing seatbelt, child restraint (including seatbelts and child passenger safety seat), speed, and impaired driving violations.
In the capital city, the Topeka torch run will be led by area coordinator, Sergeant Derrick Mahoney of Capitol Police. Area law enforcement officers have been raising money and awareness throughout the year through their work with the Kansas Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) to support Special Olympics Kansas. The Topeka Torch Run will kick off on June 3 at 7:00 a.m. at the State Capitol. A brief ceremony with local dignitaries will be held on the steps.
"Community involvement is very important to the Kansas Highway Patrol, Capitol Police, and many other law enforcement organizations throughout the state of Kansas. Being able to support these athletes and Special Olympics Kansas gives us great pride," said Patrol Superintendent, Colonel Terry Maple.
Torch Runners from Topeka law enforcement agencies will travel from the State Capitol, run west on 10th street, turn south on Topeka Boulevard, and continue south down Highway 75, to the Subway at BETO Junction. There, they will meet runners from the city of Ottawa and Franklin County at approximately 2:00 p.m. The torch will be passed to Coffey County officers.
Are the runners passing by your business or home? Volunteer to Cheer and enjoy the excitement as the "Flame of Hope" travels through your community.
Law enforcement officers will also be presenting the medals and ribbons to Special Olympics athletes at Summer Games. Athletes will compete in cycling, power lifting, athletics, aquatics, gymnastics, and tennis competitions during the three-day event. The public is invited to attend the events at no charge anytime throughout the three days.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run began with six runners in Wichita, Kansas in 1981, and has grown to an international program that involves thousands of law enforcement personnel raising millions of dollars annually to benefit Special Olympics programs in the United States and abroad. The Torch Run is the largest grassroots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle for Special Olympics. Officers volunteer hundreds of hours each year, and in 2008 Kansas officers raised more than $300,000 in support of Special Olympics Kansas programs. This remarkable feat was accomplished through the statewide torch run, special event fundraisers, sponsorships, and donations.
Special Olympics Kansas began in 1970 and has grown to include more than 100 programs and teams throughout the state. The program touches the lives of 5,580 athletes who train and compete year-round in 22 sports. Through Special Olympics, athletes improve physical fitness, acquire new skills, develop lifelong friendships and encourage widespread community understanding and acceptance. The goal of the program is for all persons with intellectual disabilities to have the chance to become useful and productive citizens who are accepted and respected in their communities. The athlete’s oath is, "Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."
To make donations or to find routes for the Kansas Law Enforcement Torch Run near you, visit the Web site at: www.kansastorchrun.org. For questions or more information, contact Jana Fornelli at 913-236-9290.