‘Flame of hope’ relaying through South County

The “flame of hope” will relay through Gilroy and Morgan Hill on June 18 as part of the Northern California Law Enforcement Torch Run.
Local law enforcement torch-carriers will set pace at the intersection of Monterey Road and Masten roads in Gilroy, ending at E. Middle Road in Morgan Hill before making their way to Cupertino, San Jose as the torch travels north to the Special Olympics Northern California Summer Games at U.C. Davis.
Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Department is joining law enforcement agencies from across northern California in the global event to support Special Olympics’ Summer Games as the torch makes its way through the county northward June 18 and 19.
In the past, the run included participation from Sheriffs Office Academy cadets, California Highway Patrol, Gilroy Police Department, Morgan Hill Police Department and the Special Olympics.
Special Olympics provide year-round sports training and competition opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Currently more than 16,000 Special Olympic athletes participate in Special Olympics for free. The torch run launched in 1981, generating more than $34 million annually for Special Olympics programs worldwide. Held every June, the Special Olympics Torch, or “Flame of Hope,” burns throughout northern California, climaxing at the state Summer Games opening ceremonies. It’s the single largest supporter of Special Olympics, according to its Special Olympics Northern California.
More information
For more information, go to the Sheriff’s Office Team Page at 2014torchrunnorcal.kintera.org/santaclaracountysheriffsoffice. They have a goal of raising $7,000.
• Wednesday, June 18 at 9:30 a.m., Sheriff’s Office running from Monterey/Masten roads in Gilroy to Monterey/E. Middle roads in Morgan Hill
• Thursday, June 19 at 8 a.m., Sheriff’s Office running from Cupertino City Offices (10300 Torre Ave., Cupertino) to La Hacienda Inn (18840 Saratoga Los Gatos Road)
• Thursday, June 19 at noon, Sheriff’s Office running from San Jose Center for Performing Arts