Torch run raises money, awareness for Special Olympics

Local law enforcement officers ran like they were destined for Tokyo during the first annual Law Enforcement Torch Run last week in Crescent City.

Starting from the sheriff’s office, 13 runners representing different agencies ran 2.3 miles to the California Highway Patrol office to raise money for the Special Olympics.

Participants included officers, workers and spouses from California Highway Patrol, Pelican Bay State Prison, Del Norte County District Attorney’s office and the Yurok Tribal Police. The agencies raised $1,350 toward the Special Olympics.

The Special Olympics has 14 official sports, including alpine skiing, basketball and floor hockey. Recently, Special Olympics athlete Amy Brockerstette made headlines when she became the first person with down syndrome to participate in the National Junior College Athletic Association’s National Championship for women’s golf in Florida.

“We hope to see you all next year as we plan to make this an annual event and continue to support not only [the] Special Olympics but our community!” CHP wrote in a Facebook post after the event.