June 6, 2001
*Press
Release*
DOC
Officers to Carry Special Olympics Torch
DOC
Runners Join 400+ Fellow Officers
DOVER
- Starting today, several Department of Correction officers will trade their
work boots for sneakers to help a very special cause. DOC officers from
facilities and institutions across the state will participate in the 15th Annual
Law Enforcement Torch Run to benefit the Delaware Special Olympics.
For
three days and 160 miles, 400-plus Delaware law- enforcement officers will carry
the Special Olympics' "Flame of Hope" from one end of Delaware to the
other. Tonight at 8 p.m., the Torch Run will start at the Rehoboth Beach
bandstand and end at the Special Olympics' main office in Newark. In all, more
than 40 DOC officers are taking part.
"We
carry what we call the Flame of Hope", said Corporal J.J. King, an officer
at the Sussex Community Corrections Center. "The flame represents hope for
the physically and mentally handicapped citizens of Delaware."
Over
1,500 athletes are scheduled to participate in 22 sports during the Games. Last
year's Delaware Torch Run raised a record $120,000. This year's effort will push
total donations from the last 15 years over the $1 million mark.
"We
encourage our employees to participate in community-oriented events," said
Department of Correction Commissioner Stan Taylor. "J.J. has been
instrumental in getting others - including me - involved with community projects
like Special Olympics. I applaud him for his dedication to our community."