El Paso’s finest are getting ready to lace up for the 8^th Annual Sgt. Ruben Orozco 8K Run/2 Mile Walk on April 14.  Sgt. Ruben Orozco, a Law Enforcement Torch Runner, died eight years ago and was involved with Special Olympics Texas (SOTX) for over 13 years. Each year, area police officers, sheriff’s deputies, highway patrol troopers and the local community partner in his memory for the trek.  Proceeds support more than 3,000 Special Olympics Texas athletes in the Greater El Paso area. 

The race will begin at the corner of Stanton and Cincinnati streets.  The shotgun start is at 8:00 a.m. for the 8K run and 8:15 a.m. for the two-mile walk. Participants are eligible for raffle prizes and other awards.  The top three finishers will receive a trophy. 

The entry fee is $20 before April 5; late registration is $25. Team (at least 25 participants) and military personnel registration is $15.  Sign up online at www.raceadventuresunlimited.com and www.sotx.org/ro8k. For more information, contact Norma Razo (nrazo@sotx.org) at 915.533.8229.

About the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR)
The Law Enforcement Torch Run is Special Olympics’ largest grass-roots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle.  In Texas, the Law Enforcement Torch Run began in 1985 and had grown to become one of the largest in the nation.  In the last decade, Torch Run has contributed over $11 million through the dedication of thousands of law enforcement personnel fundraising on behalf of SOTX.  The support provided by this dedicated group has contributed greatly to programs in local communities, which involve more than 44,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities throughout the state.

About Special Olympics Texas
Special Olympics Texas (SOTX) is a privately funded non-profit organization that changes lives through the power of sport by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities, promoting acceptance for all, and fostering communities of understanding and respect.  SOTX provides continuing opportunities for more than 44,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities throughout the Lone Star State to realize their potential develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy and friendship.  To learn more, visit www.specialolympicstexas.org or call 800.876.5646.  Engage with us on: Twitter @SOTexas; fb.com/SpecialOlympicsTX; youtube.com/specialolympicstexas.

 Co-Sponsors:
Coca-Cola Refreshments, Food Town, H-E-B Tournament of Champions
Charitable Trust and the Law Enforcement Torch Run

Sponsors:
El Paso County Sheriff’s Department, El Paso Electric, GEOGESKE and the
El Paso Municipal Police Officers Association