TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody today addressed law enforcement officers and Special Olympics athletes at the Florida Capitol during the 2024 Law Enforcement Torch Run, benefiting Special Olympics Florida. State and local law enforcement officers participated in a two-mile run this morning in Tallahassee up to the Capitol. The Law Enforcement Torch Run is the largest annual public relations and fundraising event for Special Olympics Florida, with thousands of law enforcement officers and Special Olympics athletes running hundreds of miles throughout the state.
Attorney General Ashley Moody expressed her admiration for the dedication of law enforcement officers, stating, “Law enforcement officers are always giving back to the community, and the 2024 Law Enforcement Torch Run is just another example of their commitment to serving others. Every year, thousands of officers come together and show their support for Special Olympics athletes by running the Flame of Hope across the state. Through this statewide event, we can promote and support the Special Olympics and provide these athletes the chance to shine through physical competition.”
The Law Enforcement Torch Run, which originated in 1981, sees law enforcement officers known as Guardians of the Flame, carrying the Flame of Hope into various games' opening ceremonies. This event allows Florida law enforcement officers to actively engage with the community and offer support to Special Olympics athletes in the state and beyond.
Annually, over 5,000 officers from more than 300 agencies, along with Special Olympics athletes, participate in an intrastate relay, covering 1,500 miles across all 67 counties in Florida. The Torch Run is scheduled to culminate at the beginning of the Special Olympics State Summer Games in Orlando on May 17. Special Olympics Florida, in its 52nd year of assisting individuals with intellectual disabilities, serves more than 60,000 athletes.
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