Common Ground Page 10 - Suffolk County Sheriff's Department

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Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department Continues Support Of Special Olympics With “Torch Run”
Recently, the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department took part in what has become a yearly tradition of support
for the Special Olympics of Massachusetts (SOMA) during their annual Summer Games.
Participating in the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run, members of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s
Department (SCSD) helped to usher the Flame of Hope along Commonwealth Avenue and into Boston College’s
Alumnae Stadium where it was used to light the ceremonial cauldron signifying the beginning of the SOMA Summer
Games.
Founded in 1981, when a Wichita, Kansas Police Chief named Richard LaMunyon sought to address an urgent
fundraising need for and increase awareness of Special Olympics, the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) is
“an actual running event in which officers and athletes run the Flame of Hope to the Opening Ceremony of local
Special Olympics competitions, state/provincial Games, and National Summer or Winter Games. Every two
years, law enforcement officers from around the world gather to carry the Flame of Hope in a Law Enforcement
Torch Run Final Leg in honor of the Special Olympics World Summer or World Winter Games.”
Taking part in the Torch Run for the first time, SCSD Training Academy Instructor and Deputy Julio Pena
brought along a class of new recruits to run with and help support the Special Olympics, an organization that
instantly took residence within a special place in his heart.
“The LETR was amazing,” said Deputy Pena. “It was a privilege to take
part in something so special, and representing the Department brought
true meaning to public service. The 3.5 mile run to the stadium is nothing
compared to what a lot of the athletes of the Special Olympics and their
families have endured and yet they treated us as if we were champions.
In fact, the true champions, leaders and motivators are the athletes of the
Special Olympics themselves.”
Offering praise for some of the other participants who helped to make
the day an unqualified success was Steve Huftalen, Director of Special
Events for the Special Olympics of Massachusetts.
“Once again, the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department showed its tremendous
support of Special Olympics Massachusetts at the Opening Ceremonies
for the 2011 Summer Games,” said Huftalen. “The SCSD Honor
Guard played a major role in the traditional Parade of Athletes by setting the stage for their entrance. In addition,
the Sheriff’s Department also had its training officer class help escort the Flame of Hope down Commonwealth
Avenue and into Opening Ceremonies to declare the games open. The dedication and support from everyone at the
Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department is something that the 2,000 Athletes at Summer Games rely on, appreciate
and look forward to every year.”
According to Deputy Pena, if it is within his power to do so, he’ll be there to answer the call once again.
“The show of appreciation, the smiles, the high fives and ‘thank you’s’ made me feel as if I could run 100 miles,”
said Pena. “I plan on participating in the LETR for many years to come. Personally, it’s gratifying to participate
in such a worthy cause, and professionally an honor to continue representing the Department.”
Offering competitions and training in 26 core sports, the Special Olympics of Massachusetts’ mission is to provide
year–round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of well–coached Olympic–type sports for
individuals with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics Massachusetts also provides athletes with continuing
opportunities to develop physical fitness, prepare for entry into school and community programs, express courage,
experience joy, and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics
Athletes, and the community. The statewide program supports 11,639 athletes and Unified Partners who are
assisted by 1,642 coaches and 12,343 volunteers. For more information visit: www.SpecialOlympicsMA.org.
Common Ground
Deputy Julio Pena (right foreground)
ran with SCSD officers in training