Madison Police officers joined forces with other Dane County law enforcement agencies this morning. Their mission: to help raise money and awareness. It's all about the Special Olympics movement in Wisconsin. The Madison contingent gathered at the Law Enforcement Memorial at the State Capitol to kickoff the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run. They were not alone. Officers, deputies, and troopers gathered at locations in every corner of the state. All are helping carry Flames of Hope to Stevens Point for the opening of the 2013 games, which are slated for this weekend.
Besides runners, law enforcement personnel are also walking, biking, rollerblading, even riding on horseback, as they take part in various legs of the journey.
Since 1986, the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Wisconsin has raised more than $17 million, with more than 900 state law enforcement members participating every year.
The MPD is proud to join with our law enforcement brothers and sisters to help great athletes and to promote the cause of Special Olympics: "a program that daily reaffirms our belief that with hope and dedication we can recognize achievement and see the self-worth of any individual. It is our belief that individuals with intellectual disabilities, by their involvement in Special Olympics, show the community there are no limits to human potential or the human spirit."