The Texarkana, Ark., Police Department will participate in the annual Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run Monday.
The Summer Games Torch Run is an event that takes place across the state to honor the Special Olympics Arkansas athletes as they prepare to take part in the Special Olympics Arkansas State Summer Games.
Law enforcement officers from various agencies run the Flame of Hope across the state until it reaches the arena at Harding University in Searcy for opening ceremonies on Thursday.
The Summer Games Torch Run Southwest Leg will begin at 9:00 a.m. today, starting in the Texarkana, Ark., Walmart parking lot, 133 Arkansas Blvd. TAPD will run more than 18 miles before handing over the torch to the Hope Police Department.
The LETR movement is essential to the success of Special Olympics Arkansas as they not only volunteer their time to help the athletes but also organize fundraisers in their local communities for Special Olympics. Particiapnts raised more than $500,000 this past year for the Special Olympics Arkansas program.
"The Texarkana Arkansas Police Department is proud to participate in such an outstanding event for such a worthy cause," TAPD spokeswoman Sgt. Kristi Bennett said.