By Joel Langton
The 830 Times
Del Rio’s law enforcement community came together Friday morning to help deliver the torch for Del Rio’s Special Olympics event, continuing a tradition that has become part of a nationwide movement supporting athletes with disabilities.
About 50 members of the local law enforcement community participated in the run from the Val Verde County Sheriff’s Office to Walter Levermann Stadium, mirroring the ceremonial torch runs associated with the Olympic Games.
The event featured representatives from the U.S. Border Patrol, Texas Department of Public Safety, Val Verde County Sheriff’s Office, Del Rio Police Department and several other federal, state and local agencies.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run is far more than a local tradition. The program began in 1981 after a police chief in Kansas sought a positive and visible way for officers to support Special Olympics athletes. Since then, the effort has grown into an international campaign recognized as Special Olympics’ largest public awareness and grassroots fundraising movement.
According to the International Association of Chiefs of Police, more than 100,000 law enforcement officers participate in Torch Run events annually across the country.
Local agencies said the event remains one of the most rewarding community partnerships they take part in each year.
“The Val Verde County Sheriff’s Office has participated in this event for many years, and we support these special athletes in becoming the best they can be,” said Joe Frank Martinez, Val Verde County sheriff.
According to Frank Ramirez, Del Rio police chief, the partnership is one local officers are proud to support.
“Del Rio Police Department always enjoys taking part in the Special Olympics Torch Run,” Ramirez said. “It’s an honor to support such incredible athletes and be a part of such an inspiring event.”
The writer can be reached at JoelALangton@gmail.com.
