PHOTO RELEASE: AG Kicks Off 2019 Law Enforcement Torch Run

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody today kicked off the 2019 Law Enforcement Torch Run, benefiting Special Olympics Florida. Law enforcement officers and supporters joined Attorney General Moody and Special Olympics Florida President and CEO Sherry Wheelock at the event. The Law Enforcement Torch Run is the largest annual public relations and fundraising event for Special Olympics Florida, with thousands of law enforcement and Special Olympics athletes running hundreds of miles throughout the state.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “I am proud to stand with law enforcement and Special Olympics Florida to promote this incredible event supporting these inspiring athletes. The Special Olympics gives athletes an opportunity to set and achieve goals, build lasting relationships, expand their social skills, and of course, improve their health through physical competition and exercise. The athletes who participate in the Special Olympics build confidence and develop relationships that will benefit them the rest of their lives.”

The Law Enforcement Torch Run began in 1981 as a way for law enforcement to be active in the community and support Special Olympics. Known as Guardians of the Flame, law enforcement members carry the Flame of Hope into Special Olympics Opening Ceremonies of local, state, national, regional and world games. The flame symbolizes courage and celebration of diversity uniting communities around the globe.

Every year, the Flame of Hope travels through Florida in an intrastate relay of simultaneous routes throughout the state. More than 5,000 officers and hundreds of Special Olympics Florida athletes carry the torch on the 1,500-mile relay through all 67 counties in Florida. This year’s State Summer Games will take place May 17-18 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista.

For a schedule of Law Enforcement Torch Run routes by county, click here.

The Special Olympics is a global movement that serves more than five million athletes in 169 countries. The organization empowers athletes to improve physical fitness, build confidence and find new friendships, all while having fun and learning life-lessons.

Special Olympics Florida recently announced it is now serving more than 50,000 athletes and will host the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games.

For more information about Special Olympics Florida and how to get involved, visit SpecialOlympicsFlorida.org.