Local Law Enforcement Run for Special Olympics

CAPE MAY POINT– More than 3,000 dedicated Law Enforcement officers began the 27th Annual Torch Run for Special Olympics New Jersey this week. The 26-leg journey will bring the Special Olympics New Jersey “Flame of Hope” distance of more than 900 miles through the state to The College of New Jersey in Ewing where it will light the cauldron this evening and officially open the 2010 Special Olympics New Jersey Summer Games.
The goal of the Torch Run is to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics New Jersey as the torch makes it way through more than 300 communities throughout the state. Participating Law Enforcement officers have been raising funds for months leading up to the event.
“The running of the torch is more than a symbolic display of the commitment of members of Law Enforcement to the athletes of Special Olympics,” said Robert Belfiore, Deputy Chief of the Port Authority of NY/NJ and Director of the New Jersey Torch Run. “It is a powerful grassroots message that we bring from community to community to shine a light on the great achievements of the more than 21,000 athletes that participate in Special Olympics New Jersey.”
More than 2,300 of those athletes will compete at the Summer Games at The College of New Jersey this weekend. Events include Aquatics, Bocce, Gymnastics, Powerlifting, Softball, Tennis, and Track & Field. Law Enforcement officers will give their time at the Summer Games, by awarding medals and generally assisting in the running of the event.
In addition to the Torch Run, funds are raised year-round by Law Enforcement through various events that include Polar Bear Plunges, the Lincoln Tunnel Challenge 5K, the Continental Airlines Plane Pull, golf outings and many events on the local level throughout New Jersey. The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics New Jersey has long been a world leader in fundraising for Special Olympics.
“All year long the Law Enforcement community is engaged in our program whether they are running a fundraising event or volunteering at a local competition,” said Marc Edenzon, President of Special Olympics New Jersey. “The commitment of the Law Enforcement Torch Run in this state is unparalleled and is not only evident in the funds they raise, but in the friendships they create with our athletes.”
Please visit www.sonj.org, for more information on Special Olympics New Jersey including how to sign up an athlete, volunteer, become a coach, or support Special Olympics in your community.