AUSTIN—Law enforcement officers from across Texas will gather at the State Capitol in Austin on Wednesday, May 14, for a short ceremony to kick off the statewide Law Enforcement Torch Runs leading up to the 2014 Special Olympics Texas Summer Games competition in Arlington, May 22-25. 

The ceremony will start at 9:15 a.m. on the South Steps of the Texas Capitol. After the ceremony, law enforcement agencies will run with the torch from the Capitol Steps down Congress Avenue and back.

Speakers at the ceremony will include:

• Margaret Larsen, Special Olympics Texas CEO
• State Sen. Kelly Hancock of North Richland Hills
• Special Olympic Texas board member Rick McCarty of San Antonio
• Assistant Chief Jessica Robledo, Austin Police Department
• Deputy Chief Gary Tittle, Dallas Police Department
• Colby Bannister, Special Olympics Texas athlete and member of the SOTX Board  of Directors

More than 400 law enforcement officers and first responders are expected in Arlington to deliver the Flame of Hope and to participate in the Opening Ceremonies.

This year is the forty-fifth anniversary of the Special Olympics Texas Summer Games. More than 3,100 athletes from across the state will participate in the competition, featuring events in athletics (track and field), basketball, cycling, gymnastics, soccer and tennis.

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 51,300 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 51,300 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