The heat of June didn't stop dozens of Charles County Sheriff's Office employees and members of the community from putting on their running shoes to carry the Flame of Hope and raise more than $7,500 for Special Olympics during Law Enforcement Torch Run held June 15.
Participants raised money for the annual event by selling and purchasing Torch Run T-shirts. At 9 a.m. June 17, participants congregated at the Charles County Fraternal Order of Police lodge on Rosewick Road in La Plata, where they met with Charles County Sheriff Frederick E. Davis, Delegate Sally Jameson and some of the Special Olympics athletes before the start of the event. Participants had the option of running eight miles or walking five or two and one-half miles.
Runners carried the Flame of Hope as part of a 600-mile, one-week torch relay that passes the Flame of Hope across Maryland. The Torch Run culminated in the lighting of the cauldron June 17 during the 2005 Special Olympics Maryland Summer Games Opening Ceremonies.
"The Torch Run brings our entire community together to support a very worthy cause," said Sheriff Davis. "When the participants pass the Government building, our Headquarters, Matula Elementary School and other places along their routes, people are out in their Torch Run shirts cheering them on. I want to thank everyone who participated in this event and the Special Olympics athletes for all the inspiration they provide."
PHOTO: Before setting out to complete one of the Torch Run routes, participants lit the Flame of Hope and met with Sheriff Frederick E. Davis, Special Olympics athletes and Delegate Sally Jameson.