The San Fernando Police Department (SFPD) is seeking donations to help support Special Olympic athletic programs in Los Angeles, San Fernando Valley and Santa Clarita Tri-Valley.
All donations are tax deductible. For every $1 raised on behalf of the athletes, 90 cents goes directly to program costs.
In addition, department personnel — alongside Special Olympic athletes, members of the Los Angeles School Police and DMV Investigators — will run through the San Fernando city streets on June 5 as part of the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for the Special Olympics of Southern California 2019 Summer Games.
The SFPD will accept the torch from the LAPD Mission Division running team, then run a 2.6 mile route through San Fernando, which begins at 9:05 a.m. in front of O’Melveny Elementary School, located at 728 Woodworth Street, and will conclude at the Rydell auto dealership, located at 700 San Fernando Road.
A prime viewing location of the torch runners will be the San Fernando Mall.
The torch, dubbed the “Flame of Hope,” will be used to light the cauldron at the Special Olympics Southern California Summer Games, June 8-9, at Cal State University of Long Beach. By that time, the torch will have traveled 1,500 miles and through 200 Southern California communities in May and June before it is used to light the cauldron during the opening ceremonies.
“We are truly honored to be a part of carrying the torch for the fourth year,” San Fernando Police Chief Tony Vario said. “Our team feels honored and humbled to show support for the champions of Special Olympics who do not know the words “I can’t” and who overcome challenges everyday as persons with intellectual disabilities.”
The San Fernando Police Department Team will be led by Field Training Officer/Canine Officer Walter Dominguez.
“We are extremely excited to be a part of this run,” Dominguez said. “Over the past four years we have seen hundreds of people line the streets when the torch has been run through our city which has inspired us to continue to be a part of this great cause.”
Special Olympics Southern California supports 37,800 athletes with intellectual disabilities and their communities through sports, education and athletic health.
Those wishing to donate can visit the Special
Olympics Santa Clarita & Tri-Valley website at http://fundraising.sosc.org/goto/sfpd.