Law Enforcement Torch Run Road Race Slated For April 25

The Jamaica Chapter of the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) International will stage a 5K run walk in St. Andrew on Saturday, April 25, to raise $3 million of the $11 million needed to send 69 of the country’s athletes to the World Special Olympics Summer Games in Los Angeles, California, USA, in July.

The 3.1-mile route will begin at the Police Officers’ Club playingfield on Hope Road, and take participants down to Half-Way Tree Road, then on to Chelsea Avenue, Dominica Drive, Trafalgar Road, Nelson Way, Lord Nelson Road, Ardenne Road, and back on to Hope Road, culminating at the Club.

The 69 athletes will participate in eight sporting disciplines at the Summer Games, including: swimming, basketball, volleyball, badminton, and male and female football. They will be accompanied by 17 coaches and two officials.

Speaking with JIS News, Executive Director of Special Olympics Jamaica, Lorna Bell, expressed gratitude to the agencies and stakeholders partnering with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), and pledging their support for Saturday’s event.

“I want all Jamaicans to come out and support us. Just tell yourself that you are giving these athletes with intellectual disabilities a chance to see a different way of life, by allowing them to compete in the Special Olympics Games. This is what Special Olympics is all about. We want to make a difference in their lives,” she said.

Mrs. Bell pointed out that in addition to assistance received through the LETR, Special Olympics Jamaica has also been undertaking other fundraising activities, which have been well supported by corporate stakeholders who have been “extremely good to us.”

Interested road race enthusiasts are invited to register for Saturday’s event online at www.jcf.gov.jm or www.OnDiRun.com.jm. The entry costs are $1,000 for adults and $500 for children.

For further information, persons may contact the JCF Community Safety and Security Branch (CSSB) at 920,8903 or email letr@jcf.gov.jm.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run is a global campaign, which began in the United States in 1981, and is overseen by the law enforcement professionals globally.

Currently, close to 90,000 of these officers in over 35 countries participate in this philanthropic effort to raise funds and awareness for the Special Olympics.

In 1986, Jamaica became the first nation outside of the United States to adopt the Torch Run.

Fundraising activities undertaken locally, to date, have generated approximately $30 million towards the preparation of Jamaican athletes for participation in international games.

These funds were and continue to be raised primarily through collection drives by police officers and corporate sponsorship.

The collection drives are undertaken during an actual run across the island by the officers bearing a lit torch which is the symbol of LETR International.