On Monday, June 17, 2019, San Francisco Police Department members will participate in the 2019 Special Olympics Northern California Torch Run. SFPD officers and cadets will carry the “Flame of Hope” on a nine-mile route through the city, marking the 21st year the department has proudly partnered with Special Olympics Northern California.
Law enforcement personnel and Special Olympics athletes run through their respective communities to raise money and awareness for the organization. Law enforcement has raised more than $14.5 million for Special Olympics Northern California since 1996, including more than $1.1 million last year. SFPD has raised over $2 million for the organization since 1998. Proceeds directly benefit Special Olympics to provide free year-round sports training and competitions, inclusive schools programs and vital health resources to more than 23,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities in the region.
The torch run will begin with a special ceremony beginning at 8:00 AM Monday at San Francisco’s Union Square. Various law enforcement agencies have been escorting the torch through Northern California, en route to the UC Davis campus for the 2019 Special Olympics Northern California Summer Games Opening Ceremonies on June 21st. For more information about the Summer Games, please visit sonc.org.