The 2024 Torch Run for Special Olympics Virginia kicked off this week at Brentsville Hall, hosted by the Prince William County Police Department. The event brought together 150 law enforcement members from 25 different agencies across Virginia, showcasing support for our athletes.
The ceremony was graced by the presence of Prince William County Chief Peter Newsham and featured speeches from Global Messenger Rose Reeder, who shared her experiences, and Frank Stephens, who spoke about the importance of inclusion and community support. It was followed by an awards luncheon, where we celebrated the past year’s achievements and recognized the hard work and successes of Virginia's LETR participants.
This year’s kick-off was also a time for celebration as we announced a record-breaking donation of $1,790,870 for Special Olympics Virginia, the highest amount ever raised at this event.
The Kenny Fields Memorial "Unsung Hero" awards were presented to Lieutenant Shawn Peak from the Prince William County Police Department, Captain Lois Thompson from the Virginia Beach Sheriff's Office, and Sergeant Nikki Pascal from the Chesapeake Sheriff's Office. The Max Everton Hall of Fame awards were given to Peter Flynn from the Fairfax County Police Department and Colonel David Rosado from the Chesapeake Sheriff's Office.
Law enforcement agencies are now getting ready to take part in Torch Run Week, which is set to take place from June 1-7. This important week will see officers carrying the Flame of Hope through various communities, raising awareness and funds for Special Olympics Virginia.
The Torch Run Week will culminate in a very special event: the opening ceremony of the Summer Games. This grand event will take place on Friday night, June 7th, at 7 pm at the University of Richmond. The ceremony will not only mark the opening of the games but also celebrate the journey of the Flame of Hope and the dedication of everyone involved.
Click here for photos from the event.
The Torch Run is an important fundraiser for the Special Olympics, uniting law enforcement officers and athletes to spread awareness and support for people with intellectual disabilities. This event showed how united we are and how we share the same goals of supporting our community while raising funds for Special Olympics Virginia programs across the state.
A big thank you to all our law enforcement partners for their continued support and dedication. Together, we are making the world a more inclusive place!
