The Statewide Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Missouri will begin on Monday and continue through Wednesday.
Law enforcement officers from around the state will be running the torch to raise awareness for Special Olympics and the 2011 State Summer Games. The games will be held May 25-27 at Missouri State University in Springfield.
The guiding purpose of the torch run, which was founded by the Missouri Police Chiefs Association, is to raise funds and awareness for more than 15,000 athletes who participate in the Missouri Special Olympics.
More than 950 runners from 100 agencies from across the state will participate in the 2011 Torch Run. These runners will complete 40 different routes and cover more than 1,000 miles across Missouri.
Nearly 200 Missouri law enforcement agencies are attempting to raise $2 million this year by selling Torch Run T-shirts and organizing special events throughout the state. In 2010, Missouri's Torch Run was ranked No. 6 in the world based on gross dollars raised.
Special Olympics Missouri is a year-round program of sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. More than 15,000 athletes participate in 21 Olympic-type sports throughout the state.