Delaware Law Enforcement Torch Run
The signature event of Delaware Law Enforcement’s support of Special Olympics is the annual 160-mile Torch Run that precedes Summer Games. During the three-day run, police officers carry the Special Olympics ‘Flame of Hope’ across the state to create awareness and generate excitement about the upcoming Summer Games.
When
Wed, Jun 11, 2008 - 13, 2008
Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics
In 2008, more than 450 police officers will run in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Delaware, presneted by Macy's East.
The Torch Run kicks off in Rehoboth Beach the Wednesday before Summer Games with Law Enforcement Motorcycles presenting the ‘Flame of Hope’ at the bandstand. Runners then lead the flame out of town with the first mile dedicated to Cpl. Chris Shea, DSP who was tragically killed in a traffic accident. This first leg of the Torch Run is sposnored by Nicola Pizza. The flame continues to Delaware State Police Troop 7 in Lewes where the run stops for the night.
On Thursday, the Torch Run resumes in three Sussex County locations – Delmar, Lewes and Georgetown. The three Sussex County legs of the Torch Run unite in Harrington, where the three torches become one and continue heading northbound through Kent County. The procession stops for an afternoon ceremony at Legislative Hall in Dover before the flame makes its way to Odessa.
The final day of the Torch
Run, Friday, is marked by several ceremonies and specific miles dedicated
to law enforcement officers, with the Flame of Hope ultimately making
its way into Summer Games Olympic Village around 5:15 p.m. One of the dedicated portions
of the run is the one-mile leg down Main Street in Newark – called ‘Gary’s
Mile’ in tribute to Gary Summerville, a fellow officer who died
in a traffic accident. The final mile into Olympic Village is called ‘Jimmy’s
Mile’ in honor of Jim Curran, a former New Castle County police
officer who was injured in an accident.
Throughout the Torch Run, the Delaware Good Samaritan (Good Sam) Club follows torch runners in recreational vehicles to provide safety and refreshments.
Link to First Giving