Law Enforcement Torch Run For Special Olympics New Jersey

MEMBERS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT GUARD THE FLAME AND HELP KEEP THE DREAM ALIVE FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS NEW JERSEY ATHLETES
On June 6, beginning as early as 5 a.m., 2,715 dedicated Law Enforcement officers will begin the celebrated annual Torch Run, a 27-leg journey that will bring the Special Olympics New Jersey "Flame of Hope" a distance of nearly 900 miles throughout the Garden State to Sovereign Bank Arena, Trenton, where it will ignite the cauldron at the Opening Ceremonies of the 2008 Summer Games at 7:30 p.m. The Torch Run, a 25-year-old annual event, raises awareness and funds for Special Olympics New Jersey.
Spectators, supporters, school children and members of local businesses will have the chance to experience the excitement as the Special Olympics New Jersey torch travels through 384 communities in the state.
"The Torch Run is the culmination of the many hours that members of Law Enforcement volunteer each year," according to Chief Robert Belfiore, Port Authority of NY/NJ and Director of the Torch Run. "It is symbolic of the commitment and dedication that New Jersey Law Enforcement has for Special Olympic athletes in this state, and the camaraderie that has developed between Law Enforcement and Special Olympic Athletes."
Belfiore added that members of Law Enforcement dedicate this run to the memory of the 37 Port Authority Police officers who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, many of whom were long-time supporters of Special Olympics New Jersey.
In 2007, the Law Enforcement New Jersey Torch Run was recognized 2nd in the world in grassroots fundraising for Special Olympics. Last year alone, this group raised a record breaking $2,043,162. Funds are raised year round through a host of events that include an Adopt-a-Cop campaign, two Polar Bear Plunges, Lincoln Tunnel Challenge 5K Fun Run/Walk, Continental Airlines Plane Pull, golf outings and an ever-evolving menu of new initiatives.
Additionally, more than 200 volunteer Law Enforcement officers give of their time at the Summer Games, June 6-8, by awarding medals, assisting in lunch provisions and managing recreational activities at Olympic Village on the TCNJ campus.
"The dedication of the Law Enforcement community to Special Olympics New Jersey is evident all year long, especially on the day of Summer Games Opening Ceremonies," according to Marc S. Edenzon, President of Special Olympics New Jersey. “These committed friends epitomize their loyalty to the nearly 2,500 athletes of the Summer Games by their hands-on involvement and tireless efforts to raise funds and create awareness of Special Olympics, that success in life can be sparked by success on the playing field."
The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics New Jersey has been a major sponsor of the organization since 1983. Their efforts are the result of a volunteer committee of 35 members who annually coordinate the Torch Run, along with the other fundraising events on behalf of Special Olympics New Jersey. Included in this dedicated group are sponsors such as the New Jersey Policemen’s Benevolent Association, the New Jersey Fraternal Order of Police, the New Jersey Knights of Columbus, the Port Authority Police Benevolent Association, Macy’s, the ShopRite/Wakefern Corporation and the Italian American Police Society of New Jersey. The Law Enforcement Torch Run is a part of an international series of torch runs held in every state and in 35 countries for Special Olympics.
For more information on the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics New Jersey, call (609)896-8000, email or visit www.sonj.org.




3 Princess Road Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 (609)896-8000 / (609)896-8040 fax www.sonj.org /