Torch run begins trek toward Special Olympics State Games

Special Olympics athletes and law enforcement officers began the week with participation in the Law Enforcement Torch Run, a precursor to the Special Olympics State Games set for Biloxi’s Keesler Air Force Base this weekend.  

“It is a week-long event that starts off at the top of the state, and ends in Biloxi Friday afternoon,” said Dwayne Wims, Special Olympics Area 16 Director. “It is the beginning of our summer games that begins on Friday afternoon with athletes from all around the state.”

The Special Olympics Summer Games is held each May and the 2024 edition will hold much of the competition on Saturday, May 11.  

Competitions offered: Athletics (traditional & unified), Aquatics (traditional & unified), Bocce (traditional & unified), Bowling (traditional & unified), Golf (traditional & unified), Powerlifting, Tennis and Volleyball (traditional & unified),

The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) is the largest public awareness vehicle and grassroots fundraiser for the Special Olympics. Law enforcement members and Special Olympics athletes carry the “Flame of Hope” into the Opening Ceremony of local competitions, and into Special Olympics State, Provincial, National, Regional and World Games. 

Law enforcement officers in Mississippi use off-duty time to support athletes and programs through the torch run.  

Photos here are from this week’s Law Enforcement Torch Run start held in Hernando.