The annual Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run will come through town Monday, when Texarkana, Ark., police carry the torch 18 miles and pass it to officers from Hope, Ark.
The Summer Games Torch Run Southwest Leg will begin at 9 a.m. Monday in the Walmart parking lot at 133 Arkansas Blvd. in Texarkana. Law enforcement officers from various agencies will run the Flame of Hope across the state of Arkansas until it reaches the arena at Harding University in Searcy for opening ceremonies on Thursday.
Texarkana, Ark., Police Department participates in the Torch Run annually. The Summer Games Torch Run honors Special Olympics Arkansas athletes as they prepare to take part in the Special Olympics Arkansas State Summer Games.
The LETR movement is essential to the success of the Special Olympics Arkansas program, as officers not only volunteer their time, but also organize fundraisers in their local communities. Efforts raised more than $500,000 last year for the program.
Special Olympics Arkansas' mission is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for all children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. All is provided free of charge.
Nearly 100 agencies and 1,500 officers work year-round in Arkansas to raise money and awareness for the program. All funds raised through LETR go to support Special Olympics Arkansas' year-round sports training and athletic competition. LETR holds Polar Plunges, Boots-N-Badges, Tip A Cop and golf and softball tournaments, but a major source of funding comes from the sale of Torch Run T-shirts that feature a new design each year. Sponsors and corporate donations help round out the fundraising efforts.