Florida law enforcement officers began a 1,500 mile journey Tuesday. They’ll be carrying the Flame of Hope torch throughout the state to bring awareness about the Special Olympics to Florida.
Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi kicked off the Flame of Hope torch run Tuesday. She says the Special Olympics have a long and important history.
“The late Eunice Kennedy Shriver believed that if people with intellectual disabilities were given the same opportunities and experiences as everyone else they could accomplish more than ever thought possible. It was this conviction that led her to found the Special Olympics in 1968, pledging to offer people with intellectual disabilities everywhere the chance to play, compete and grow,” Bondi says.
More than 300 law enforcement officers joined Bondi for the kick off. Tallahassee Police Department Deputy Chief Darrel Furuseth says he’s proud of the hard work put in by the 33,000 Special Olympic athletes in Florida.
“To the athletes who have been training, preparing for the state competitions and the summer games, we appreciate it and you guys are the true heroes today. We are proud as law enforcement to support you in the Florida Special Olympics,” Furuseth says.
Tim Hodgins is one of the games participants. He says the opportunities afforded him through the Special Olympics have helped him to grow confidence and speaking skills.
“I am involved with athlete leadership programs where we learn how to run meetings, participate on committees, fundraise and speak on behalf of Special Olympics,” Hodgins says.
Hodgins participates in bowling, golf and tennis and he says he coaches other athletes in bowling as well. The Special Olympics will take place May 20 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports in Buena Vista.
