Texas Torch Runner Selected for National Games Final Leg

Senior Warden Eric Guerrero was selected for the 2010 Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) Final Leg, preceding the Special Olympics USA National Games held in Lincoln, Nebraska, July 18-23. The Final Leg Team, a total of 110 members, is comprised of law enforcement runners, Special Olympics athletes, and Support Team members. The Flame Lighting Ceremony, marking the beginning of the Final Leg, is scheduled for Sunday, July 11 at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, the site of the last USA National Games in 2006.

"Congratulations are in order for these incredible athletes and dedicated law enforcement officers," said Mike Teem, Final Leg Team Captain. "The LETR Final Leg is not only a salute to the athletes from around the United States who compete in the Special Olympics USA National Games, but also a true honor for the participating officers who all believe in the mission and spirit of Special Olympics."

A 16-year veteran of TDCJ, Senior Warden Eric Guerrero of the Segovia/Lopez Complex has been involved with the Texas Law Enforcement Torch Run for 13 years. He currently serves on the Texas Law Enforcement Torch Run State Committee and volunteers at local and state Special Olympics Texas Games.

The Flame of Hope will enter Nebraska on the evening of July 11 and then travel throughout the state for one week. The Final Leg Team will travel through more than 70 cities and towns in Nebraska before arriving at the USA National Games Opening Ceremonies in Lincoln on July 18, 2010.

The Olympic flame symbolizes the light of spirit, knowledge and life. With identical power and majesty, the Special Olympics Flame of Hope, in the entrusted care of the law enforcement community, symbolizes the courage and celebration of diversity that the Special Olympics movement represents.

About Special Olympics Texas
Special Olympics Texas is a privately funded non-profit organization providing year-round sports training and athletic competition for 36,311 children and adults with intellectual disabilities in the Lone Star State. Be a part of the movement that is CHANGING LIVES in your community. For more information, visit www.specialolympicstexas.org.

About the Law Enforcement Torch Run
Celebrating its 28th Anniversary in 2009, the Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR) for Special Olympics is the movement's largest grass-roots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle, encompassing a variety of events including Torch Runs, Polar Plunge® events and the World's Largest Truck Convoy® fundraiser. More than 85,000 international law enforcement officers have carried the Flame of Hope™ to the Opening Ceremonies of local and state/provincial Special Olympics competitions and Games, and Special Olympics World Summer or Winter Games. The LETR is now present in all 50 U.S. states, Canadian provinces and 46 nations around the world. In 2008 the LETR raised more than US$34 million for Special Olympics Programs around the world and has raised more than US$272 million since its inception in 1981.

About the 2010 Special Olympics USA National Games
The 2010 Special Olympics USA National Games in Lincoln, Nebraska will showcase and celebrate the Special Olympics movement and athletes from across the United States, while illustrating the power of sports to educate and inform about the true abilities and achievements of people with intellectual disabilities. From July 18-23, 2010, nearly 3,000 athletes will compete in 13 Olympic-style sports, with the support of 1,000 coaches, 8,000 volunteers and an estimated 15,000 family and friends. In addition to sports, the USA National Games will offer various programs in health, wellness and education. To learn more or to volunteer, please visit www.2010specialolympics.org.

Kelly Coffey
Vice President of Communications
kcoffey@sotx.org