Global Law Enforcement Torch Run

(Follow Sgt. Lance Koppa's journey in Greece on our updates page.)

As an important part of the World Games, the Torch Run Final Leg will heighten awareness and take the message of Special Olympics and the World Games to every corner of Greece, as well as to Cyprus and Istanbul. Law enforcement officials and Special Olympics athletes, unified together as a part of the Final Leg team, will serve as true Guardians of the Flame and promote the powerful messages of inclusion, acceptance, and ability every step of the three-week journey to promote the World Games.

The 2011 Final Leg will begin with the Lighting of the Flame at the Sacred Site of Pnyx, opposite the Acropolis of Athens, in Greece on June 9. In keeping with the tradition, the rays of the sun light the Flame and the entire ceremony will take place along the lines of the original Torch Lighting of the Olympics Games. On June 10, Torch Runners split into three teams and the journey of the Flame begins. It will cover scores of cities, towns, and communities on the way to the Opening Ceremonies in Athens on June 25. (Want to learn more about Law Enforcement Torch Run? Read more here.

Sergeant Lance Koppa

Highland Park Department of Public Safety

Special Olympics Texas is proud to be represented in the Final Leg by Sergeant Lance Koppa of the Highland Park Department of Public Safety. He was selected by law enforcement officials statewide to represent Texas and the United States in the Final Leg run. Speaking about being selected for the Final Leg team, Koppa said, “I am at a loss for words to describe my excitement to participate in such a huge event as the World Games! This is, by leaps and bounds, the greatest honor that I have ever received. Period.”

Sergeant Koppa joined the Highland Park Department of Public Safety 11 years ago, and has been a member of the Special Olympics Texas and Law Enforcement Torch Run families for eight years. He has been named Special Olympics Texas – Greater Dallas Area’s 2009 Community Leader of the Year and the Highland Park Department of Public Safety’s 2004 Officer of the Year. When he isn’t dedicating his time to supporting SOTX, he enjoys participating in triathlons, long distance cycling and trying his best to keep a nice yard.

Final Leg Mission

Create awareness and excitement for Special Olympics and the World Summer Games

Encourage support and attendance of the World Summer Games

Serve as Guardians of the Flame by maintaining and protecting the “Flame of Hope” until the lighting of the cauldron at the World Summer Games Opening Ceremonies

Showcase the abilities and involvement of the Special Olympics athletes who serve on the unified Final Leg team as well as highlight local athletes at ceremonies

Proudly represent Law Enforcement and Torch Run programs from around the world as a symbol of their deep commitment to the athletes of Special Olympics

Involve, inspire and motivate Law Enforcement Torch Run® and Special Olympics athlete participants to increase their level of commitment to Special Olympics when they return to their home programs

Team Texas World Games Sponsor