Yulee, Fla. – Nassau County Sheriff’s Office employees participated in the 2016 Law Enforcement Torch Run to benefit Special Olympics on April 7th, which began at West Nassau High School in Callahan and finished at Callahan Bar-b-q parking lot on SR-200. West Nassau High School JROTC also joined in, along with the Special Olympic athletes.
The run started out at the high school track and then travelled through the Callahan Elementary School bus driveway where the West Nassau High School Marching Band played as hundreds of students applauded for everyone. At the finish line, WNHS National Champion cheerleaders were there to encourage the runners to finish strong as they cheered everyone on. Afterwards, Callahan Bar-b-q gave each runner a bottle of water, a bag of chips and cookies.
The mission of Special Olympics Florida is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for all children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The Nassau County Sheriff’s office has been a long-time supporter for Special Olympics Florida through the Law Enforcement Torch Run.
The Torch Run is a way for law enforcement agencies to show they care. The “Flame of Hope’’ torch is carried by law enforcement officers in a 1,500-mile relay around the state. This year more than 3,000 law enforcement officers representing 300 Florida agencies will participate as the torch makes its way through 60 counties before it is delivered to the opening ceremonies of the State Summer Games. The 2016 State Summer Games will be held at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Over 1,500 athletes are competing in bocce, cycling, soccer, tennis, track & field, and volleyball.
