Officers from the Madison Police Department will join with their law enforcement brothers and sisters from around
Wisconsin Thursday, June 5, 2008, for the annual Special Olympics Torch Run. Opening Ceremonies for State
Summer Games will be held Thursday night in Stevens Point.

Local law enforcement torch "runners" will depart the Capitol Square at 7:00 a.m. for their leg of the journey - a
40-mile route to Portage. While this is officially a torch run, officers can also bike, walk, or rollerblade all or part of the distance to Portage.

All Special Olympics Wisconsin supporters will carry the "Flame of Hope" from corners of the state to light the cauldron at the State Summer Games during the Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg.

About 1,800 athletes will compete in this year's games, which include power lifting, soccer, track & field and swimming. There will be a parade of athletes smiling away on a "jumbotron" during the Opening Ceremonies Thursday night.
Special Olympics Wisconsin provides sports training and competition for nearly 10,000 athletes with cognitive disabilities in 18 different sports year-round. The program reaffirms beliefs - that with hope and dedication persons with cognitive disabilities - the Special Olympians- can realize achievement and self-worth., and show their communities there are no limits to their potential.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics is the movement's largest grass-roots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle, raising $30 million for Special Olympics Programs around the world in 2007.
More than 85,000 law enforcement officers carried the Flame of Hope across 35 nations, raising awareness and funds for Special Olympics.
Madison Police officers look forward to continuing the tradition Thursday, and media members are welcome to see them off from the Capitol Square at 7:00 a.m.