Local Police Carry Torch for Special Olympics

Gilroy law enforcement took up the torch today–literally–in the annual “Flame of Hope” run for the Special Olympics Summer Games at UC Davis later this month. 

“It supports the athletes–it’s a way for us to kickstart their event,” said Felix Figueroa, the officer who helped spearhead Gilroy’s involvement five years ago.

A group from the Gilroy/Hollister division of the CHP began the relay in Hollister at 7 a.m. that morning, finishing their leg and passing off the torch to Gilroy police around 9 a.m.

It wasn’t just officers that took part in the run–four members of the Rams, a basketball team that has competed in the Special Olympics, joined them.

Officers controlled traffic as the group turned north on Monterey Street, passing by the historic city hall and continuing for their four-mile trek. County Sheriff officers are in charge of the next leg, with Morgan Hill police taking the torch for the final approach into Morgan Hill.

More than 500 law enforcement officers from state, federal and county agencies are expected to participate in the event. Having begun its journey on June 10, the torch will travel through 21 counties and over hundreds of miles before arriving in Davis for the opening of the event on June 24. 

Officers involved in the run have all helped raise money for the event, earning the right to be a “Guardian of the Flame,” according to the Special Olympics.

The competition will run through June 26, and admission is free. The program itself is year-round, serving more than 14,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

The run has raised more than $10 million since it began in 1995, with another $1 million expected this year.