I left town Wednesday on my way to
The Foxwoods in Connecticut for the Law Enforcement Torch Run International Conference. Let me just say that it was an experience to remember!
The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) raises money and awareness for
Special Olympics. Some may remember that I Polar Bear Plunged for the cause last year (and will do so again this year). I learned so much and cried through almost every slide show and video they had. Things I learned:
-There are Special Olympic athletes that are very good at public speaking
- The athletes want to get to know you
- There are more than 3 million Special Olympic athletes in the world
- The LETR raised approximately 34 million dollars this year for S.O.
- Those people with intellectual disabilities who would have been institutionalized in the 70’s are now able to compete in athletics, hold jobs, and be productive citizens in our community
- The athletes are inspiring and can bring grown men to tears with their stories of bravery
- Families of those with intellectual disabilities thrive off the small and large accomplishments of their kids (athletes)
- If you want to get involved with Special Olympics, there are many ways
- It is important to teach your children about Special Olympics and those with special needs … they are not to be feared or made fun of
I could probably go on and on. I also wanted to point out that there were about 1,000 officers there from all over the world. These are not people that spend ONE weekend a year thinking about how to further the LETR and S.O. They make it their mission and they are better people because of it. I am so proud to be a part of a department that encourages this. I hope I can be an inspiration to others to get involved.
