TAPD to take part in Torch Run for Special Olympics

The Texarkana, Ark., Police Department is participating in the annual Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run.
The Southwest leg of the torch run will begin at 9 a.m. today in the Walmart parking lot at 133 Arkansas Blvd. Officers will run about 18 miles before handing over the torch to the Hope, Ark., Police Department, said Officer Kristi Bennett, spokeswoman for the TAPD.
The Summer Games Torch Run is an event that takes place across the state to honor the Special Olympics Arkansas athletes as they prepare to take part in the Special Olympics Arkansas State Summer Games.
Law enforcement officers from various agencies will run the Flame of Hope across the state until it reaches the arena Thursday at Harding University in Searcy.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run is essential to the success of Special Olympics Arkansas, because they not only volunteer their time to help athletes but they also organize fundraisers in their communities and raised more than $500,000 this year.
"The TAPD is proud to participate in such an outstanding event for such a worthy cause," Bennett said.