torch The Spring Lake Police Department will host the annual Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run April 23 at 9:00 a.m. at Veteran's Park.

“We are known as the Guardians of the Flame and we support the athletes who have intellectual and physical disabilities in life,” said Napolean McCormick, Evidence Sergeant and Special Olympics coordinator.

“Everyone knows about the Olympics that occur every four years, but the Special Olympics summer games occur annually during the first week in June in Raleigh and the funds that we raise goes toward the equipment, uniforms, and other resources they need to help host their games,” he said.

McCormick added that many of the police officers attend the summer games and the officers present the medals to the athletes at their games.

The Spring Lake Police Department’s fundraising goal is $10,000.

“Yes, our goal is $10,000, but I will be happy if we get $7,000 so we can get our name on the back of the Special Olympics t-shirt,” said McCormick. “If we get our name on the back of the shirt it shows that Spring Lake is heavily involved with Special Olympics.”

The run is approximately two and a half miles long.

“The runner will start at the flag pole at the intersection of Main Street and Ruth Street,” said McCormick. “Then they will continue up Main Street through town; circle the roundabout on the bridge; go across the bridge; turn left and run towards Lillian Black Elementary School; make a right on the street at the stop sign and run around the back of the school and come back to the flag pole.”

He added, “If you are walking you will round the bridge and turn around and come back to the flag pole.”

The Special Olympics is a worldwide movement that was founded in the 1950s by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the sister of former President John F. Kennedy. She observed that individuals with intellectual and physical abilities were treated unfairly so she decided to take action. She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her efforts.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics North Carolina began in 1987 and raises more than 1.3 million for Special Olympics North Carolina each year and serves nearly 40,000 athletes.

“We are asking for donations or to purchase a Special Olympics t-shirt or beach towel for $20,” said McCormick.

“If you would like to get your name on the Special Olympics t-shirt, you can do this by becoming a corporate sponsor.”

“It is not a race, it is a symbolic thing showing the community that we are supporting Special Olympics and these athletes,” said McCormick. “We are asking everyone to come out and support this worthy cause.”

Join the Spring Lake Police Department as a “Torch Run Warrior.” Runners will receive a certificate of participation.
Sponsorship information is available at www.sonc.net.

There is no entry fee. Registration starts at 8:15 a.m. on the day of the run.
For more information call 910-237-9470.

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