Florida Special Olympics Torch Begins 1,500 Mile Journey In Century
March 29, 2008
About 20 officers from the Century Correctional Institute along with law enforcement officers from the Florida Highway Patrol and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Department kicked off a 1,500 mile torch relay for the Florida Special Olympics at the Alabama/Florida state line.
The run proceeded from the state line south for three and a half miles along Highway 29.
Law enforcement officers from over 300 Florida agencies (police departments, sheriff’s offices, Florida Department of Corrections, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Agency, U.S. Customs, Air Force Police and Marine Patrol) all participate in the state-wide torch run to benefit the athletes of Special Olympics Florida. Each year, over 3,000 officers carry the torch on a 1500-mile relay through more than 60 counties in Florida.
Funds are generated through contributions from individuals and businesses along the way and through sales of the popular Torch Run T-shirts and caps.
This event is held each year prior to Special Olympics Florida State Summer Games. The intrastate torch relay will last the entire month of April and culminate at the Opening Ceremonies. Officers from around the state join together to bring the “Flame of Hope” into the stadium.
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