chapelhillnews.com | Passing the Torch

Published: Jun 03, 2012 10:54 AM
Modified: Jun 03, 2012 12:56 PM

CHAPEL HILL - The Special Olympic?s "Flame of Hope" passed through its original home last week on its way to North Carolina?s annual Summer Games.Local law enforcement officers from the Chapel Hill Police Department did their part on Wednesday to relay the torch onto their fellow officers near the town?s limits, whence it worked its way toward Cary.Special Olympics of North Carolina is hosting the 2012 Summer Games this weekend in Raleigh and Cary, featuring more than 1,400 athletes from across the state. SONC offers many programs to support individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families.The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, known as the largest grass roots fund raising program benefiting Special Olympics, actually began in 1981 in Kansas. Today, all 50 states and many countries have their own versions of the Torch Run.In North Carolina, the first Torch Run was organized in 1987, when relays were run from Raleigh and Charlotte to the University of North Carolina?s Fetzer Field in Chapel Hill, site of the 1987 SONC Summer Games.Each year, officers from across North Carolina raise money for the games by conducting the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. They relay the Flame of Hope across the state in a "Torch Run Final Leg," which culminates with the lighting of the cauldron that signifies the opening of the Special Olympics North Carolina Summer Games.The Torch Run covers 2,000 miles over 15 days, involving more than 2,500 law enforcement officers and personnel representing more than 200 law enforcement agencies across North Carolina.Funds are raised each year through corporate sponsorships, purchases of T-shirts and hats, and unique events such as building sits, polar plunges and golf tournaments.Since the program began, more than $12 million has been raised for Special Olympics North Carolina.To earn more or to donate to Special Olympics, see www.sonc.net/torch-run. W.E. Warnock

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