Torch run to benefit Special Olympics

SUSSEX COUNTY-Members from area police departments will participate in the 22nd Annual Law Enforcement Torch Run to benefit the Special Olympics of New Jersey. The run begins at 6 a.m. at the Mountain Creek parking lot on Friday morning, June 3. The Law Enforcement Torch Run is Special Olympics' largest grass-roots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle, raising more than $20.5 million for Special Olympics programs around the world in 2004. More than 85,000 law enforcement officers carried the Flame of Hope across 35 nations, and thousands more supported the runners' efforts through "Adopt-A-Cop" runner sponsorships, corporate sponsorships, and Torch Run T-shirts (more than 400,000 sold) and other merchandise sales. New Jersey law enforcement officers have been recognized as number one in the world in fundraising dollars for 2002, 2003 and 2004 At its most basic level, the Torch Run is an actual running event in which officers and athletes run the "Flame of Hope" to the opening ceremonies of local Special Olympics competitions, state games, and national summer or winter games.