Law Enforcement Torch Run officers are hitting the streets of Lubbock to mark the start of the Special Olympics Texas Summer Games competition.  At 8:00 a.m. on May 23, torch runners will depart for the Summer Games Final Leg from the Civic Center, located at 1501 Mac Davis Lane in Lubbock.  From there, they’ll run along Avenue Q and end their trek at the Byron Martin Advanced Technology Center, located at 3201 Avenue Q.

On Friday, the torch runners will meet up with hundreds of law enforcement officers from across the state to kick off the 2012 Summer Games at UT Arlington, where more than 3,000 SOTX athletes will compete in cycling, tennis, athletics (track and field), soccer, basketball and gymnastics.

Special guests at the send-off the Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office, the Lubbock Police Department, the Plainview Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Lubbock County Adult Probation and the Lubbock SWAT team.  Lubbock Police Chief Roger Ellis and Lubbock County Sheriff Kelly Rowe will address the crowd.

About the Law Enforcement Torch Run

The Law Enforcement Torch Run is Special Olympics' largest grass-roots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle.  In Texas, the Law Enforcement Torch Run began in 1985 and had grown to become one of the largest in the nation.  In the last decade, Torch Run has contributed over $11 million through the dedication of thousands of law enforcement personnel fundraising on behalf of SOTX.  The support provided by this dedicated group has contributed greatly to programs in local communities, which involve more than 44,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities throughout the state.

About Special Olympics Texas
Special Olympics Texas (SOTX) is a privately funded non-profit organization that changes lives through the power of sport by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities, promoting acceptance for all, and fostering communities of understanding and respect.  SOTX provides continuing opportunities for more than 44,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities throughout the Lone Star State to realize their potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy and friendship.  To learn more, visit www.specialolympicstexas.org or call 800.876.5646.

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