2008 Alaska Law Enforcement Torch Run and Pledge Drive

Posted on: May 17, 2008 | admin | Comments Off | Print Article | Rate Post:

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On May 17^th, over 800 people, to include Alaska Law Enforcement Personnel, are expected to run simultaneously in 17 Alaskan Communities to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics Alaska.

The 2008 Alaska Law Enforcement Torch Run and Pledge Drive will take place simultaneously in 17 communities across the state, beginning 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 17^th, when a cadre of law enforcement officers will lead 5K (3.1 miles) family fun runs in the following communities: Anchorage, Barrow, Delta Junction, Dillingham, Fairbanks, Homer, Juneau, Kenai, Ketchikan, Klawock, Kodiak, Mat-Su Valley (Palmer/Wasilla), Nome, Petersburg, Seward, Sitka, and Valdez. It is expected to be the largest simultaneous multi-community running event held in Alaska this year, with a goal to raise about $100,000 for Special Olympics Alaska (SO-AK) communities.

Orchestrated by the Alaska law enforcement community, the Torch Run is open to both law enforcement officers and the general public. Walkers, runners, joggers, strollers and rollerbladers are welcome to join in. “The fun run is a great way for families and neighbors to get out and stretch their legs, get some fresh air and support training and competition programs for nearly 1,500 Alaskan athletes with intellectual disabilities,” said SO-AK President & CEO Jim Balamaci.

Other support will come from Wells Fargo and Alaska Magazine. “The money is really in the pledges and sponsors,” said Balamaci. “Participants are encouraged to obtain pledges from co-workers, neighbors, family and others so that they can maximize their contribution to Special Olympics Alaska. Every dollar goes a long way!” A 2008 Torch Run registration/pledge form is available at the SO-AK web site: www.specialolympicsalaska.org.

SO-AK is an accredited program of Special Olympics Inc., a global non-profit organization that provides sports training and competition to people with intellectual disabilities.