Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics in Ithaca

On Wednesday, June 8th members of local law enforcement will carry the “Flame of Hope.” This will raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics New York athletes, and the 2016 Special Olympics New York Summer Games, June 10-12, at SUNY Brockport. Over 1,700 Special Olympics New York athletes, coaches and volunteers are expected to attend the weekend of competition including basketball, volleyball, track & field, tennis, bowling, gymnastics, aquatics and powerlifting. The Tompkins County Torch Run will take place on June 8th, starting at 4:00 pm. It has been confirmed that over 35 law enforcement personnel from local organizations will be taking part. This year’s route will begin in front of the Ithaca Police Station, up Prospect Street, down Aurora Street, turning left at the entrance of the Commons and running through the Commons to Cayuga Street, circling around back to Bank Alley and up Tioga Street. Runners will then turn left on Buffalo Street to Cayuga Street. From there, the runners will travel down Cayuga Street to Stewart Park, picking up local Special Olympic athletes at Dewitt Park along the way. Following the run will be a picnic and Law Enforcement officers will help with the Special Olympics volleyball team’s practice. This is a great event and one we hope the Ithaca community and Tompkins County come out and support. Celebrating its 30th Anniversary in New York, Torch Run is a year-round, grassroots fundraising campaign by law enforcement agencies to benefit their local Special Olympics Program. Each year, officers carry the “Flame of Hope” through the streets of their hometowns and countries and deliver it to their local, state and national Special Olympics games. In 2015, the Law Enforcement Torch Run programs raised nearly $2 – million statewide. Within the LETR more than $51 million was raised globally. Special Olympics is the largest amateur sports organization in the world. With over 67,000 athletes, Special Olympics New York is the largest chapter in North America and the 6th largest chapter in the world. Special Olympics New York athletes train and compete year-round in 22 sports, at no cost to the athlete, their families or their caregivers. For more information or to donate, please visit www.nyso.org. Members of the media and the public are invited to join at the start and finish of Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics New York.