2018 LAPD Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics gather prior to last year’s event. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com
LAPD NEWS
Members of the Los Alamos Police Department will be running the torch from Los Alamos to Jemez Springs Thursday to raise money and awareness for Special Olympics in Los Alamos and throughout the state.
This is the 51st year of Special Olympics and the Law Enforcement Torch run occurs every May.
The LAPD participants will gather at 7:15 a.m. on the Trinity Drive side of the Justice Center at 2500 Trinity Drive before setting off on the 42 mile run. Minor traffic delays may be expected from 7:45 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. along Trinity Drive and West Jemez road as the runners head out of Los Alamos.
“Our LAPD volunteers want to help draw awareness of the importance of Special Olympics to local and state athletes. We also want to raise donations for this amazing program,” Cmdr. Oliver Morris said.
Morris said Special Olympics provides great interaction between between athletes, parents, families and volunteers.
“The most rewarding part of being involved in Special Olympics is getting to know the athletes,” Morris said. “I have known some of them now for more than 10 years. It gives me great joy to hear from the athletes about how much they enjoy what they are accomplishing.”
LAPD is accepting donations from the community for Special Olympics. Fifty percent of the funds raised will go to local athletes with the other 50 percent going to the state organization to help pay for the state games.
For more information or to make a donation, email oliver.morris@lacnm.us.