The 2013 Special Olympics campaign is well under way and the Law Enforcement Torch run is not too far off. The Walton County leg of the Torch Run is currently scheduled for Thursday, March 28, 2013 and we anticipate it will again run within the city limits of DeFuniak Springs and conclude at the Walton County Courthouse. Specific route and time will be forwarded when available. This public awareness campaign continues to grow in Walton County and 2013 is shaping up to again exceed expectations.
The mission of Special Olympics Florida is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-style sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. It gives them the continuing opportunity to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendships with their families and other Special Olympic athletes and the community.
The signature event of the law enforcement community’s year-round support of Special Olympics is the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run. Law Enforcement Officers from over 300 Florida agencies (Sheriff’s Offices, Police Departments, Florida Department of Corrections, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Agency, U.S. Customs, etc.) all participate in the state-wide torch run to benefit the athletes of Special Olympics Florida. Each year, over 5,000 officers carry the “Flame of Hope” on a 1,500 mile relay through 66 counties in Florida. The intrastate torch relay will start at the end of March and culminate at the Opening Ceremonies on May 17, 2013.
At this time, we do not have information on ordering the official Law Enforcement Torch Run shirts/hats but when it becomes available, I will advise. Additionally, as more information becomes available about the Torch Run route/time, I will advise.
Looking forward to another great Torch Run turnout in Walton County! For Further Information feel free to contact the following:
F. Eugene Mims
Florida Department of Corrections
Correctional Probation Specialist
DeFuniak Springs, FL
850-892-8075
Or
Lieutenant Tilman Mears
Criminal Investigations Division Commander
mearstf@defuniakspringspolice.net