Special Olympics athletes, Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies and other South Florida law enforcement officers, will join forces once again to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics Florida at the 42nd Annual Broward Law Enforcement Torch Run.
The annual event gives law enforcement personnel a unique opportunity to bond with Special Olympian athletes and help raise awareness, funds, and support for Special Olympics Florida’s mission—to provide year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-style sports for people with intellectual disabilities.
The torch run will take place from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 30, beginning at 1100 Seabreeze Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale and ending at A1A and Atlantic Boulevard in Pompano Beach. A celebratory picnic will occur following the completion of the run at Pompano Beach Fire Rescue Station 11, located at 109 N. Ocean Blvd.
Each year, Special Olympics Florida selects a Special Olympics athlete to light the flame that will commence the run and carry the Olympic torch. Matt Cohen, who participates in Special Olympics track-and-field, swimming, triathlon training, and other Olympic sports, has been selected as this year’s Special Olympic athlete. In addition to competing in these numerous sports, Cohen is also an integral part of the Special Olympic leadership group.
The men and women of BSO congratulate Cohen on his selection.
The Broward Law Enforcement Torch Run is part of a 1,400-mile statewide relay that culminates at the opening ceremonies of the Florida Special Olympics Summer Games at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista. Anyone interested in making a charitable donation is asked to contact Ms. Michelle Leonardo at Special Olympics Broward at (954) 262-2150. For additional information concerning the run, please call Broward County Torch Run Coordinator, BSO Major Aimee Russo, at (754) 581-5248.
MEDIA NOTE: THIS IS AN APPROXIMATE TIME SCHEDULE TO ASSIST YOU IN TAKING PHOTOS. THE SCHEDULE SHOULD ALSO SERVE AS A TRAFFIC ADVISORY FOR MOTORISTS.
TIMELINE:
9 a.m. - 1100 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale - South Beach Parking Lot (1st Leg is 2.0 miles)
9:25 a.m. - A1A & Sunrise Boulevard (2nd Leg is 2.4 miles)
10 a.m. - A1A & Oakland Park Boulevard (3rd Leg is 2.4 miles)
10:35 a.m. - A1A & Commercial Boulevard (4th Leg is 3.1 miles)
11:05 a.m. - A1A & Atlantic Boulevard, Pompano Beach (End of Run)
THIS REPORT BY:
Gerdy St. Louis/PIO
