Fort Lauderdale, Florida – On Wednesday, April 24, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., members of South Florida’s law enforcement, including deputies from the Broward Sheriff’s Office, will participate in the Annual Law Enforcement Torch Run to support the Special Olympics.
This event, deeply rooted in community and support, offers a chance for officers to engage with Special Olympics athletes, fostering awareness and generating funds for the organization.
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The run will commence at 1100 Seabreeze Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale, where Broward County resident and accomplished Special Olympics athlete Layla Crehan will have the honor of lighting the flame. Crehan, a versatile athlete, has garnered numerous medals in various sports, including swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, and alpine skiing.
The event is an opportunity for officers to bond with the Special Olympics athletes and help raise awareness and support for the mission of Special Olympics Florida, which is to provide year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-style sports for people with intellectual disabilities.
At the start and finish of the run, Special Olympians will carry the Olympic torch. The event will conclude with a celebratory picnic hosted by the Pompano Beach Fire Department at 109 N. Ocean Blvd., Pompano Beach.
The Broward Law Enforcement Torch Run is part of a broader, 1,400-mile statewide relay culminating in the opening ceremonies of the Florida Special Olympics Summer Games at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista. This expansive relay underscores the widespread community support for the Special Olympics, uniting participants from across Florida in a shared goal.
Individuals interested in supporting this noble cause are encouraged to make a charitable donation by contacting Ms. Michelle Leonardo at Special Olympics Broward at (954) 262-2150. For more details about the event, those interested can reach out to Broward County Torch Run Coordinator, BSO Maj. Aimee Russo, at (754)-581-5248.