special olympics
"Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. - Athlete's Oath
The Law Enforcement Torch Run
The global Special Olympics movement got its start on July 20, 1968, when the First International Special Olympics Games were held at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois. But the concept of Special Olympics was born much earlier, when Eunice Kennedy Shriver started a day camp for people with intellectual disabilities at her home in 1962. Special Olympics today is a global movement with 2.5 million athletes in more than 180 countries around the world.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics is the movement's largest grass-roots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle, raising $30 million for Special Olympics Programs around the world in 2007. More than 85,000 law enforcement officers carried the Flame of Hope across 35 nations, raising awareness and funds for Special Olympics. Thousands more supported the runners' efforts through "Adopt-A-Cop" runner sponsorships, local fundraising events, corporate sponshorships and Torch Run T-shirts (more than 400,000 sold) and other merchandise sales to fellow law enforcement officers, families, friends and the public.
(All of the above information was taken directly from www.specialolympics.org.)
South Salt Lake Police Department's Involvement
The South Salt Lake Police Department is proud to have been involved with the Special Olympics and the Law Enforcement Torch Run for over 15 years, and is looking forward to being involved again this year. Numerous officers and support staff take part in the events leading up to the Special Olympics, including the torch run, fundraising events, activities to prepare our local athletes for the Special Olympics as well as competitive events. The Traffic Unit leads the torch run runners through the valley, and escorts the athletes into the stadium for the Opening Ceremonies of the Special Olympics.
Each year the South Salt Lake Police Department holds several fundraising events, constantly striving to raise more funds than the year before for this important cause. In past years the South Salt Lake Police Department has been in the top ten fundraising agencies in the state of Utah, and in 2007 we were recognized as the #1 agency in the state for total funds raised! If you would like to join us in our efforts, you can donate by clicking here.
Hartvigsen School
The South Salt Lake Police Department has had a long, rich history with our resident Hartvigsen School, and they are our Special Olympics sponsor team. The Hartvigsen School has provided great opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities since 1972, including school plays, community access, Special Olympics, skiing, bowling, dancing and music programs. The police department enjoys being involved with many of these programs our host team offers, and hopes you too will commit to this long standing tradition. Our department is so proud of all the accomplishments of the amazing students at the Hartvigsen School.
Local Torch Run Business Sponsors
We encourage all local businesses to become a sponsor of Special Olympics! Interested businesses can contact the Sergeant Darin Sweeten at (801) 412-3634.
Donations
If you would like to support Special Olympics Utah and our local athletes, you can donate anytime by clicking here.