The Cypress Police Department joined more than 2,000 law enforcement officers from throughout Southern California by participating in the annual Special Olympics “Flame of Hope” Torch Run on Friday.
This event is the Special Olympics largest grass-roots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle. The run, which includes participants from over 125 law enforcement agencies, made its way from city to city destined for the opening ceremonies of the Summer Games.
The Cypress Police Department had approximately twenty participants running in the event, including Special Olympic Athletes, Mayor Rob Johnson, and Council Members Stacy Berry and Paulo Morales.
“It was fantastic to see citizens and the business community come out and support Special Olympics, the Cypress Police Department and City staff by watching us run through Cypress with the Special Olympians,” said Mayor Rob Johnson.
The runners began at Paul’s Place at the corner of Knott Avenue and Cerritos Street after accepting the torch from the Anaheim Police Department. The two mile course then traveled from Cerritos to Holder, down Holder to Katella and ended at the intersection of Knott Avenue and Orangewood Street, where the Torch was handed off to the Garden Grove Police Department.
This year’s Summer Games will took place at Cal State University Long Beach on June 13-14. The Games featured competition in six sports – aquatics, athletics (track & field), basketball, bocce, golf and gymnastics. More than 1,100 athletes and coaches travelled from all over Southern California to participate in the competition. The event also hosted more than 2,000 volunteers, and 5,000 local dignitaries, sponsors and spectators.
