Merced law enforcement to take part in run supporting Special Olympics
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Merced law enforcement will join the Torch Run for Special Olympics NorCal.
- Participants will carry the Flame of Hope on a 3½-mile route starting June 25.
- The run supports the June 27–29 Special Olympics Summer Games in Santa Clara.
Law enforcement officers and employees from throughout Merced County will be taking part in the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run supporting the Special Olympics Northern California this week.
The run, which will see participants carry the “Flame of Hope” through the streets of Merced, will start at the Merced Civic Center Wednesday morning. Participants will meet at Merced Civic Center at 6:30 a.m. with the 3½ mile run beginning at 7 a.m..
Law enforcement agencies throughout the state participate in the annual event with the Torch Run in Northern California taking place in the month of June leading up to the opening ceremony of the 2025 Special Olympics Northern California Summer Games.
This year’s Special Olympics Northern California Summer Games will be held June 27-29 at Santa Clara University. The event features more than 1,000 athletes and coaches. Athletes from dozes of counties will have the opportunity to compete in events such as track and field, tennis, bocce and swimming.
The run dates back to Wichita, Kansas, in 1981 when then Wichita Police Chief Richard LaMunyon, began the Law Enforcement Torch Run, according to the Special Olympics of Northern California website. The fundraising effort would eventually become the largest grassroots fundraising group for Special Olympics.
Every $500 raised, provides one athlete access to Special Olympics NorCal opportunities for a year, according to organization’s website. Additional information can be found on the Special Olympics Northern California website.