Law enforcement personnel, including members of the Homestead Police Department, Miami-Dade Police Department and Dade County Corrections, joined approximately 30 Special Olympics athletes in Homestead on Friday, April 25 for the 32nd annual Law Enforcement Torch Run. Students from Homestead High School and Campbell Drive Middle School also participated in the two mile run, which originated at the Publix supermarket on the corner of Campbell Dr. and
US1 and was completed at Campbell Drive Middle School.
“I think this tradition, now in its 32nd year, is truly amazing,” said the Mayor Jeff Porter at who caught up with the participants of the Law Enforcement Torch Run to lend his support. “It is imperative that people with disabilities get the friendship, acceptance and encouragement extended to them as would be extended to anyone. The fact that law enforcement has taken it upon themselves to lead this charge to empower others just seems so right and I salute them and their efforts.”
The mission of the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special Olympics is to increase awareness and raise funds for the Special Olympics movement. Each year, the LETR initiative grows bigger and better. As the largest grass-roots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle for Special Olympics, the Law Enforcement Torch Run raised over $42.6 million in 2012. Since its inception in 1981, it has grown extensively worldwide with over 97,000 volunteers spanning 46 countries, and raising more than $461 million for the Special Olympics movement.
