JEFFERSON CITY – The Statewide Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Missouri (SOMO), founded by the Missouri Police Chiefs Association (MPCA), will begin Monday, May 23, and continue through Wednesday, May 25.
Law Enforcement officers from around the state will be running the torch to raise awareness for Special Olympics Missouri (SOMO) and the 2011 State Summer Games. The State Summer Games will be held at Missouri State University in Springfield, May 25-27. The culmination of the Torch Run – the lighting of the Flame of Hope – will take place during the Opening Ceremonies, May 25 at Plaster Sports Complex, beginning at 7:30 p.m.
If you have questions or would like more information regarding the Law Enforcement Torch Run , please contact Nikea Rudloff, Development Administrative Assistant, at rudloff@somo.org or 1-800-846-2682.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics is an annual event. The guiding purpose of the event is to raise funds and awareness for more than 15,000 athletes who participate in the Missouri program.
Special Olympics is law enforcement’s charity of choice, not only in Missouri, but throughout the United States and in 35 countries worldwide. More than 950 runners from 100 agencies from across the state will participate in the 2011 Torch Run. These runners will complete 40 different routes and cover more than 1,000 miles across Missouri.
Nearly 200 Missouri Law Enforcement Agencies are attempting to raise $2,000,000 this year by selling Torch Run T-shirts and organizing special events throughout the state. In 2010, Missouri’s Torch Run was ranked No. 6 in the world based on gross dollars raised. Randy Boehm, retired chief of the Columbia Police Department, chairs the 2011 Law Enforcement Torch Run Committee.
Special Olympics Missouri is a year-round program of sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. More than 15,000 athletes participate in 21 Olympic-type sports throughout the state. Special Olympics provides people with intellectual disabilities continuing opportunities to develop fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy as they participate in the sharing of gifts and friendship with other athletes, their families and the community. Visit www.somo.org.
