SCPD to Participate in Special Olympics Torch Run

Special Olympics Torch Run, Wednesday June 15, 2011

Officers from the Santa Cruz Police Department run for a special cause every year in June. The Special Olympics torch is hand-carried from southern California to the Summer Olympics site by law enforcement officers throughout the state. SCPD is celebrating our 20^th year of running the torch for this very special cause.

The run brings public awareness to the Special Olympics organization as officers endeavor to raise funds for local athletic programs. All funds raised from this effort stay in Santa Cruz County for our very own Special Olympics athletes. Developmentally disabled athletes are able to participate in team and individual sports at no cost to their families. This opportunity to interact with other teammates and be a part of competitive events is a miraculous gift to a segment of our community who often feel left out of life. The athletes love to be around police officers and they show that appreciation through the big smiles on their faces.

Special Olympics athletes join us each year to run the portion of our leg north of Maple on

Pacific Avenue

. People recognize the Special Olympics logo and cheer the runners on. This is a great event that allows officers to give back to their community in a personal and meaningful way. The athletes make us feel special and we let them know that we admire them.

SCPD Runners will take the torch from the Sheriff’s office at the Harbor entrance on

Fifth Avenue

at 1230. We will carry the torch past the Boardwalk to

Pacific Avenue

and then run to the County Courthouse where we will hand the torch to the District Attorney’s Office.

Anyone who would like to help with the fundraising can go to sonc.org and donate on-line to the Santa Cruz Police Department team. There are also fundraising t-shirts that people can purchase. They are $15 each and are dark blue. Let me know if you’d like to see them and buy one to support Special Olympics athletes.

Thank you!

Colleen McMahon

420-5857