PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla.-- Police were out in force Wednesday morning in Palm Beach County. Their mission wasn't to fight crime, but take part in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.
Every year more than 5,000 officers carry the torch through 67 counties in the state, according to Special Olympics Florida.
The torch run helps raise money to benefit the athletes in the Special Olympics. Funds are raised through contributions from businesses and individuals through the sales of torch run t-shirts and caps. There are several ways to donate.
"I've been with Special Olympics since age 11. I was diagnosed with autism at the age of three. People thought I wouldn't be able to walk and talk...and look where I am now," said Special Olympics basketball player Ryan Hoffman.
“We do it for the event, we do it for the cause. So to have law enforcement this involved in it, it’s two passions of mine. So it works out well," said West Palm Beach Police Chief Sarah Mooney.
Chief Mooney and her husband Bob helped organize today’s run. Her stepson was born with Down syndrome and was involved in Special Olympics before his death in 2007.
Wednesday's run began at the corner of Hypoluxo Road and U.S. 1. and ended more than three miles later at the Royal Palm School.
Watch the moment officers in today’s #TorchRun are greeted by special needs students at Royal Palm School in Boynton! Officers ran this morning to raise money for the @SpecialOlympics and brought some joy to students at the end of the run. @WPTV pic.twitter.com/VyKMQC7F6b
— Alanna Quillen (@AlannaWPTV) April 24, 2019
We’re off... 🏃🏻♂️🚨🏃🏻♀️•Let’s cheer our Officers and Civilians who are running this year’s #TorchRun for the @Sp https://t.co/KeRYm9LriW
— PBSO (@PBCountySheriff) April 24, 2019
Over the bridge, half-way to Royal Palm School where we will be greeted by many happy students.#LawEnfor ementTorchrun https://t.co/hnYEIJsQ7r
— Delray Beach Police (@DelrayBeachPD) April 24, 2019
This is why we do the Law Enforcement Torch Run for @soflinfo... https://t.co/rJNNnua2Iz
— Boynton Beach Police (@BBPD) April 24, 2019
🏃🏾🏃♀️🏃🏼🏃🏾🏃🏻♀️ @bocapolice ran for a great cause this morning at PBC’s Law Enforcement Torch Run! Monies raised allow athletes with intellectual disabilities to participate in Special Olympics! 👏 @soflinfo pic.twitter.com/xHJLw9wUP8
— Boca Raton Police (@BocaPolice) April 24, 2019
If you see A LOT of police at the Winn Dixie in Boynton Beach, this is why! 😊 Law enforcement across the area is taking part in the #TorchRun raising money for the @SpecialOlympics !! @WPTV pic.twitter.com/sV5RRTCUtB
— Alanna Quillen (@AlannaWPTV) April 24, 2019
Law enforcement/Special Olympics runners are about to complete the 3.1 mile journey to the Royal Palm School on Lawrence Road. Keep in mind that PBSO motorcycle units are offering traffic support at the Hypoluxo/Lawrence intersection so use caution in this area! @WPTV pic.twitter.com/taH73n8iqB
— Alanna Quillen (@AlannaWPTV) April 24, 2019