Attorney General Pam Bondi today kicked off the 2018 Law Enforcement Torch Run, benefiting Special Olympics Florida. Hundreds of font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;”> law enforcement officers and supporters joined Attorney General Bondi and Special Olympics CEO and President Sherry Wheelock at the kickoff event. Local, state and federal law enforcement officers, corrections officers and support staff will carry the Flame of Hope 1,500 miles throughout Florida to bring awareness to Special Olympics. This year, Special Olympics is celebrating its 50^th anniversary.

“Special Olympics Florida is a remarkable organization that provides amazing athletes the opportunity to showcase inspiring strength and skill for the world to see,” said Attorney General Bondi. “I want to thank our law enforcement community and all those involved in the Torch Run for supporting these dedicated athletes.”

Eight thousand members of the law enforcement and corrections community will carry the torch in a relay to the opening ceremonies at the Annual Florida State Summer Games. This year’s games take place May 18-19, 2018 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista. More than font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;”> 46,000 athletes participate in Special Olympics activities throughout Florida. Today, 156 runners from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and more than 50 runners from the Office of the Attorney General participated in today’s kick off.  

For a schedule of the Law Enforcement Torch Run routes by county, click here.

The Special Olympics is a global movement that serves more than four million athletes in 169 countries. The organization empowers athletes to improve physical fitness, build confidence and find new friendships, all while having fun and learning life-lessons.

For more information about Special Olympics Florida and how to get involved, visit SpecialOlympicsFlorida.org.