Special Olympics Torch Run heads through Sandoval County Friday

Local first responders and Special Olympics athletes will carry the “Flame of Hope” through Sandoval County Friday as part of the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.

Known as the Guardians of the Flame, law enforcement members work with Special Olympics athletes and their families while raising funds locally and globally. Multiple law enforcement agencies from around the state participate in the annual Torch Run State Relay run, a 1,600-mile statewide relay run that culminates at the Special Olympics New Mexico Summer Games in Albuquerque.

The Special Olympics New Mexico Summer Games will be May 31 to June 2 at the UNM Track and Field Stadium and UNM Johnson Center.

Friday, members of The Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office, Sandoval County Fire and Rescue, the Sandoval County Detention Center, the Pueblo of Santa Ana Police Department and others will participate in the torch run, which begins in Algodones and ends at the Sandoval County Administration Building.

The run will begin at 10:15 a.m. at Algodones Elementary, then go to the Country Store in Bernalillo before heading to the torch lighting at the Sandoval County seat.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run is the largest public awareness vehicle and grassroots fundraiser for the Special Olympics. Annually, almost 110,000 law enforcement members carry the “Flame of Hope,” symbolizing courage, celebrating diversity and championing inclusion for people with intellectual and physical barriers.

For more information on Special Olympics New Mexico, the State Law Enforcement Torch Run and to donate, click here.