The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputies and professional staff join with athletes to run for more than 1,500 miles in the Torch Run for the Special Olympics this week.

Don’t miss a thing. Get breaking Santa Clarita news alerts delivered right to your inbox.

Prior to the Special Olympics Summer Games, nearly 300 different law enforcement agencies and military personal participate in the event.

“Members of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department are honored to run alongside Special Olympics athletes,” said Los Angeles County Sheriff Leroy D. Baca.

The Torch, also known as “The Flame of Hope,” will be used to light the Opening Ceremony cauldron, which symbolizes the start of the 2013 Summer Games.

The public is encouraged to come out and support the runners and athletes as the torch passes by.

“We are all working toward a common goal of providing opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities,” Baca said.

The Torch Run is made up of three main legs, and nearly a dozen smaller legs. The three main legs will convene on Saturday, June 8 at the Summer Games Championships in Cal State Long Beach where they will unite into a single flame.

Participants in Whittier, Lomita and Walnut began the run yesterday. Tomorrow runners will meet at San Dimas Station.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run began 31 years ago in Wichita, Kan. A small group of police officers convinced their Chief, Richard LaMunyon, to honor Special Olympics athletes and raise money by running the torch.

Since then, law enforcement officers around the world have remained guardians of the flame and raised millions of dollars in support of athletes with intellectual disabilities. Last year, the Law Enforcement Torch Run raised of $42 million.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run led to dozens of other events being created. These events not only raise money, but raise awareness. Such as: Tip-a-Cop, Polar Plunge, Over-the-Edge, Marathons, Plane Pull and Chili Cook Offs.

Law Enforcement Torch Run Director Lt. Kimberly Unland encourages all SoCal law enforcement officers to participate in the Summer Games.

The Summer Games Opening Ceremonies will be held June 8 and 9 at 9:45 a.m. Located at 1250 Bellflower Blvd., California State University, Long Beach. 

Do you have a news tip? Call us at (661) 298-1220, or drop us a line at community@hometownstation.com.

[node:title]

Article: [node:title]
Source: Santa Clarita News
Author: [node:author]