On behalf of the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation, Rangers’ shortstop Elvis Andrus presents SOTX with a $5,000 check for the organization's annual Summer Games in 2014.

DALLAS – Texas Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus and the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation have been named Special Olympics Texas’ (SOTX) Outstanding Fundraiser of the Year for the Greater Dallas Area. Andrus and the Rangers will be formally recognized with the honor during Wednesday’s pregame festivities, which will be held prior to the Rangers hosting the Los Angeles Angels for the three-game series finale at 1:05 p.m.

Prior to Wednesday’s game – and just as he has done for the last several years – Andrus will host a group of SOTX athletes and Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) members from the Dallas and Fort Worth areas. As part of the pregame ceremony, law enforcement and public safety officials, along with SOTX athletes and Andrus will run the SOTX Opening Ceremony torch around the infield to bring recognition to the SOTX Summer Games, which are being hosted in Arlington this weekend for nearly 3,000 athletes. Andrus will also make a $5,000 donation to the SOTX Summer Games and will provide tickets for LETR volunteers to stay and attend the game.

Over the last five years, Andrus and the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation have generously supported several SOTX programs, especially the Law Enforcement Torch Run, which is the non-profit organization’s largest grassroots fundraiser. Together, Elvis Andrus and the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation have also donated more than $24,000 (with Wednesday’s donation included) to help support SOTX’s Young Athletes Program in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and the annual statewide Summer Games.

The LETR has dedicated its efforts to ensure that all eligible individuals can participate in the movement. Since Sunday, officers have been carrying torches on intra-state relays, running for a common cause that brings the torch to the Opening Ceremony of the Summer Games on Friday.

About the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR)
The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) 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 $12 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 55,200 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 55,200 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.