HOWELL – The Howell Township Police Department, the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office and many other law enforcement agencies throughout New Jersey came together to take part in the 37th Annual NJ Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run.
More than 3,000 officers came together on October 9 to carry the “Flame of Hope” throughout the Garden State to benefit and raise awareness of the Special Olympics. The run was split into 26 different legs, traveling through more than 300 towns and having officers run the streets of their local communities.
The Annual Torch Run is normally held in June at The College of New Jersey, but the event was delayed to October due to COVID-19.
“Law enforcement officers have been serving Special Olympics New Jersey athletes for over 37 years,” says Robert Belfiore, Retired Deputy Chief of the Port Authority of NY/NJ and Director of the New Jersey Torch Run. “As the Director of the Law Enforcement Torch Run, I especially feel privileged to work with these dedicated individuals. Now is our opportunity to show the members of our communities the great partnership we have built with Special Olympics New Jersey at one of their most inspiring events.”
More than 26,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities enjoy year-round sports training and athletic competition free of charge thanks to The Special Olympics New Jersey.
In 2019, The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics New Jersey raised more than $4.1 million for the athletes of Special Olympics New Jersey, becoming a prominent fundraising program around the world.
“From training to competition, health resources to leadership opportunities, Special Olympics New Jersey provides all its programs completely free of charge to our community,” says Jason Schubert, Senior Director of LETR Initiatives for Special Olympics New Jersey. “And for over 37 years of Special Olympics New Jersey history, law enforcement officers have been supporting these initiatives and raising millions of dollars annually for our athletes.”
To learn more about the Law Enforcement Torch Run, visit NJTorchRun.org.
