Yuma officers taking part in Special Olympics torch run
The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics kicks off this year all around the state beginning today and running through Thursday, May 3, with Yuma-area law enforcement agencies running the fifth leg of the relay.
The Yuma-area law enforcement stage of the relay is scheduled to begin in San Luis at First Avenue and Urtuzuastegui at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, May 2, with runners carrying a torch known as the Flame of Hope.
The torch symbolizes the goal of the Special Olympics — to shine a light on the talents and abilities of people with intellectual disabilities.
The fifth leg run will conclude at the Quartermaster Depot, located at 300 N. 4th Avenue in Yuma at approximately 12:30 p.m. There will be a brief reception afterwards involving representatives from the Special Olympics Yuma and city officials.
The Flame of Hope will then continue its journey toward Glendale for the opening ceremonies of the Special Olympics Arizona Summer Games at Raymond S. Kellis High School, located at 8990 W. Orangewood Avenue. The games will run from May 3 through May 5.
The community is encouraged to come out to support and cheer on the runners, including joining them at the reception at the Quartermaster Depot.
The torch run, along with other fundraisers put on in the community by the various law enforcement agencies, helps raise funds for the Special Olympics Athletes of Yuma.
With the support of the community, the Yuma Police Department has raised over $16,000 with successful fundraisers such as TipA-Cop and the Scary & Safe Trick or Treat at the Yuma Territorial Prison, Fuel of Dreams and the sales of K-9 stuffed animals.
Agencies participating in this year’s run include: Yuma County Sheriff’s Office, Yuma Regional Medical Center, Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE), Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS), Emerald Correctional Management, U.S. Marshals, Arizona Department of Transportation, San Luis Police Department, Yuma County Adult Probation, Arizona Department of Corrections, Marine Corps Air Station Provost Marshall’s Office (U.S. Marine Corps), Yuma Proving Ground (U.S. Army), Yuma County Juvenile Justice Center, Somerton Police Department, Yuma County Superior Court, United States Customs and Border Protection (U.S. Border Patrol), Quechan Police Department, Cocopah Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, California Highway Patrol, Arizona Western College Police Department and Yuma Police Department.