Torch Run For Special Olympics

June 10, 2015

WHO:                         Chief Alfred Durham

                                   111th Basic Recruit Class
                                   Richmond Police personnel

WHAT:                       Virginia Law Enforcement Torch Run – Capitol Leg

WHEN:                      10 a.m. Friday, June 12

WHERE:                    Virginia State Capitol Bell Tower, Ninth and Franklin streets

BACKGROUND:     Members of the Department’s 111th Basic Recruit Class, Richmond Police personnel and members of other area law enforcement agencies will participate in the Torch Run’s Capitol Leg, a 4.5-mile stretch west from the State Capitol to Fountain Lake in Byrd Park.

Richmond Police also will participate in the Torch Run’s Final Leg, starting 8 p.m., Friday, at the Tuckahoe Rescue Squad and ending at the University of Richmond Robins Center for the start of the Special Olympics games, which the Torch Run benefits.

“The Law Enforcement Torch Run is now in its 30^th year and we are incredibly proud to run the course following the Special Olympic torch,” said Captain Harvey Powers, the Department’s Torch Run coordinator. “That torch symbolizes the courage, determination and effort of Special Olympic athletes everywhere.”

This year’s course and destination will again take the participants through Carytown before turning south on Boulevard to conclude at Fountain Lake. “This route brought the spirit the torch represents to many people last year,” Captain Powers said. “The vivid display showcases the resolve and inspiration of the athletes and the Games.”

This year law enforcement agencies in Virginia have raised over one million dollars to fund the important missions of Special Olympics.