PBA Hosts Rockland Leg Of Special Olympics Torch Run

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — The annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics was run from Rockland County to Westchester County Monday. Among the participants were runners from Clarkstown, Orangetown and Ramapo police departments, the Sheriff's Office and the District Attorney's Office.

The run was led by Special Olympics athlete and medalist Katy Sanchez, a Nanuet resident who brought the idea of participating to Rockland County, urging local police departments to take part in the international event, now in its 43rd year.

The event was organized by the Rockland County Police Benevolent Association. The staging ground was the Brinks Memorial in Nyack, which commemorates the two officers and two security guards killed in the infamous robbery of 1981.

The event was attended by a host of dignitaries and members of the Special Olympics Team Rockland.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics is the largest public awareness vehicle and grassroots fundraiser for Special Olympics. Known as Guardians of the Flame, law enforcement members and Special Olympics athletes carry the Flame of Hope into the Opening Ceremony of local competitions, and into Special Olympics State, Provincial, National, Regional and World Games. Annually, more than 100,000 dedicated and compassionate law enforcement members carry the “Flame of Hope,” symbolizing courage and celebration of diversity uniting communities around the globe.