This is an international public awareness campaign for the Special Olympics. Photo by Bernie Goldstein
On Thursday, June 7, the Ventura Police Department (VPD) participated in the annual Southern California Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) benefiting Ventura County Special Olympics. This will be the twenty-ninth year the Ventura Police Department has supported this effort. Over 40 runners participated in the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run carrying the Flame of Hope from City Hall to Oxnard handing off the torch to the Oxnard Police Department!
This is an international public awareness campaign for the Special Olympics and is comprised of the Torch Run, Tip-A-Cop, and other fundraising events. For over two decades, Ventura County Law Enforcement agencies have been raising tens of thousands of dollars annually to benefit Special Olympics of Ventura County.
The effort helps Ventura County Special Olympics to offer free, year-round, sports training and competition to over 700 individuals with intellectual disabilities ages eight years and up, who participate in seventeen sports at forty-five training sites throughout Ventura County.
Ventura Police Officers and Civilian Personnel, City of Ventura Employees, Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control Agents, Mile 26 Sports Ventura Running Club and Special Olympics Athletes, met at the steps of Ventura City Hall and carried the Special Olympics’ Torch, also known as the Flame of Hope, through the streets of Ventura.
The Special Olympics Southern California LETR is comprised of nine different “legs” ranging from San Luis Obispo to the California-Mexico border. Legs are run in conjunction with various members of law enforcement agencies from throughout the region and Special Olympic Athletes. All legs ultimately met at the California State University at Long Beach (CSULB) as the Flame of Hope entered the stadium and the cauldron is lit to mark the opening ceremonies on Saturday, June 9th.
The LETR is an international fundraising and public awareness campaign for the Special Olympics and is comprised of the Torch Run, Tip-A-Cop, and other fundraising events. For over twenty-five years, Ventura County law enforcement agencies have been raising tens of thousands of dollars annually to benefit Special Olympics of Ventura County. The money helps Ventura County Special Olympics to offer free, year-round, sports training and competition to over 700 individuals with intellectual disabilities ages eight years and up, who participate in seventeen sports at forty-five training sites throughout Ventura County.
