Law Enforcement Torch Run to help fund Special Olympics

The Law Enforcement Torch Run in support of Florida's Special Olympics will take place Wednesday morning, March 28.

The run will begin at the Okaloosa County Veterans Memorial in downtown Crestview and end at the Publix on State Road 85. Event planners announced last week that the event will begin at 9 a.m. Past runs have begun earlier and organizers hope that the later start date will better accommodate morning commuters. 

In the past, law enforcement agencies have had runners carry and pass the symbolic torch from one agency to another throughout Okaloosa County. Organizers for the 2012 Torch Run hope that the shortened run brings attention to Special Olympians throughout Okaloosa County with a single, unified support from participating law enforcement agencies.

Okaloosa County Commission Chairman Don Amunds is the Okaloosa County coordinator for the Florida Special Olympics this year.

"We are fortunate to have such a strong support base of volunteers who are law enforcement members and the Special Olympians have developed a bond with the ones who are active in Olympian events and fundraisers," Amunds said.

Another fundraising event planned for Special Olympics this year includes the Tip-a-Cop program, where Okaloosa law enforcement officers will serve as wait staff at Crestview restaurants, with tips going towards the fundraiser.

Tip-a-Cop will take place at Ms. B's Bar-B-Que and Bakery on Thursday, Feb. 2, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., and at Azteca restaurant on Friday, Feb.10, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Okaloosa County Special Olympians will join law enforcement officers at Bass Pro Shop in Destin Feb. 17 and March 2 to sell items, and at Publix in Crestview on Jan. 27 and Feb. 18 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. They will also take part selling T-shirts at Azteca in Crestview on March 17 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Torch Run hats and T-shirts will also be available at upcoming fundraising events in Crestview. A special Okaloosa County challenge coin is also available in limited supply. The coin commemorates Okaloosa County as the birthplace of Florida Special Olympics.