– Photo courtesy of FPD
Three members of the Frankfort Police Department participated in the annual Indiana Law Enforcement Torch Run held prior to the Special Olympics Indiana Summer Games in support of the athletes participating in the games.
Officers Jayce Moore, Reece Mitchell and Ramsey Mitchell are currently at the academy and participated in the event to raise awareness and support for the importance of the summer games for the disabilities community every year.
Founded in Wichita, Kansas in 1981, the torch run was intended to engage law enforcement worldwide as champions for acceptance and inclusion for the disabilities community through a wide-variety of year-round events and other activities. During the torch run, thousands of law enforcement members carry the “Flame of Hope” for the Special Olympics athletes every year, which symbolizes courage and celebration of diversity that unites communities around the glob.
Prior to the opening games of the Special Olympics Indiana Summer Games, which occurred last weekend, the torch run invites officers and agencies across the state to support local athletes by taking part in the torch run events held at Victory Field in Indianapolis and Indiana State University in Terre Haute, and this year saw the torch run occur on Friday, May 31.
While the Open Ceremonies typically culminate in the lighting of a cauldron to signify the start of the showdowns for the gold medals, the torch run concludes with a celebratory breakfast or luncheon where the law enforcement officers may continue to show their support for the thousands of athletes competing at the Summer Games. This year’s fundraiser for the torch run saw $12,022 raised toward the $25,000 goal.
The Indiana Law Enforcement Academy launched its own fundraiser for the torch run, which has raised more than $900 million for Special Olympics Worldwide. The academy has raised $6,697 toward its $10,000 goal.