Special Olympics torch run will begin in San Luis Obispo
Event covers seven counties
– The Law Enforcement Torch Run to benefit Special Olympics Southern California will launch June 2 at 5 p.m. at the San Luis Obispo County Veteran’s Hall at 801 Grand Ave. in San Luis Obispo.
The event involves more than 300 law enforcement agencies and Special Olympics Southern California athletes carrying the Flame of Hope across seven Southern California counties. The run started May 27 at the Chula Vista Police Department and will conclude June 6 in Long Beach, where it will launch the 2025 Special Olympics Southern California Summer Games.
Officers and athletes will travel 1,500 miles through 200 Southern California communities. They will carry the Flame of Hope across San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties. The run promotes acceptance and inclusion for all.
Additional ceremonies will take place June 4 at 12 p.m. at the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Department at 4434 Calle Real in Santa Barbara, and June 5 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Hall of Justice in Los Angeles at 211 W Temple St. The Los Angeles ceremony will include officers from the Los Angeles Police Department and the president and chief executive officer of Special Olympics Southern California, Kelly Pond.
Special Olympics Southern California enriches the lives of athletes and their communities through sports, leadership programs and athlete health. The organization offers free, year-round programs that lead to improved health, self-confidence and independence among athletes with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics Southern California has earned a four-star ranking from Charity Navigator for its financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run is the largest public awareness vehicle and grassroots fundraiser for Special Olympics Southern California. It is represented in all 50 U.S. states, Canadian provinces and 46 nations. Since its inception in 1981, law enforcement agencies have raised more than $1 billion dollars worldwide. Southern California has raised nearly $23 million since 1986.
Learn more at www.sosc.org/torchrun and www.sosc.org.
