HCPD to Participate in Special Olympics Torch Run
Howard County police officers and several Special Olympics athletes will participate in the Law Enforcement Torch Run to benefit Special Olympics Maryland June 9 at Centennial Park in Ellicott City.
The event will kick off at 10 a.m. at Centennial Park’s Pavilion D, 10000 Route 108. Law enforcement officers and Special Olympics athletes will run the Special Olympics torch, known as the “Flame of Hope,” on a 6-mile route through the Centennial Lane community including three schools where students will be cheering their support for runners. This year, participants also have an option of a 2.4 mile run or 2.4 walk around Centennial Lake, making the course suitable for all fitness levels.
Several Howard County Special Olympics athletes will be sworn in as honorary Howard County law enforcement officers at a ceremony in the park after the event. Refreshments are being donated by Mission BBQ, Wegmans and LaPalapa Grill & Cantina.
The Torch Run is a year-round fund raising effort organized by law enforcement officers around the world. The Howard County Police Department was the first agency to bring the event to Maryland 31 years ago.
Background on the Torch Run
Since June 6, thousands of law enforcement officers and Special Olympics athletes throughout the state will run the “Flame of Hope” across hundreds of miles, culminating in the opening ceremony of the 46th annual Special Olympics Maryland Summer Games on Friday, June 10, at Towson University. Each year, law enforcement officers throughout Maryland raise money for Special Olympics by participating in the 600-mile, one-week Torch Run.
Since its inception in 1986, the Torch Run has raised more than $25 million for Special Olympics Maryland, which provides sports training and competition to children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Funds are raised through the sale of T-shirts and other Torch Run merchandise.
Join Us This Year
Runners and walkers still interested in participating are encouraged to register online at www.marylandtorchrun.com (click on the Howard County Law Enforcement team link) or on-site Thursday, beginning at 9:30 for a donation of $15. Participants will receive a T-shirt while supplies last. The event is held rain or shine.
