Law Enforcement Torch Run to Benefit Special Olympics Florida

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — This morning, law enforcement from across Duval County came together to light and carry a special torch. It’s the flame of hope and it’s in support of Special Olympics Florida.

The law enforcement torch run to benefit Special Olympics started back in the early 1970′s when a Police Chief in Wichita, Kansas wanted to lend a helping hand in any way he could. Today’s torch run was meant to benefit the almost 60,000 athletes of Special Olympics Florida like Raymond Santos who loves all types of sports.

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“Soccer, football, bowling and swimming,” Santos said.

The torch run was a 1 mile run and walk that started at JSO headquarters and ended at Jacksonville fairgrounds. Ken Roop, the director for Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run says events like today help fund things like athletes’ food and transportation so they can participate in more races like this summer’s ESPN Wide World of Sports at Disney World.

“How can we do more? And to think that one guy had that vision and it turned into a worldwide grassroots fundraiser,” Roop said.

“I wanna go back to Orlando,” Santos said.

“Go to Special Olympics Florida.org and there’s an icon that says get involved. There’s a number of ways you can support,” Roop said.

Special Olympics Florida has raised close to $4M this year alone in support of its athletes. The law enforcement torch run has raised close to $1B worldwide since its debut in the early 1970′s.

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