Four J’can cops at Torch Run Special Olympics Conference
FOUR of Jamaica’s law enforcement officers are currently in New Orleans, Louisana for the 2014 International Law Enforcement Torch Run Special Olympics Conference, which began on Wednesday and will end tomorrow.
At the conference, over 2,000 law enforcement officers from around the globe will share ideas on raising funds and also awareness for the Special Olympics programmes in their respective countries.
Officers will also be awarded for their outstanding work in individual countries.
The conference represents the first time that Special Olympics Jamaica (SOJ) has recommended that not only police officers attend, but also others from the Law
Enforcement Agencies who have worked tirelessly for the movement.
Leslie Campbell from Correctional Services has joined Stephanie Lindsay, Natalie Palmer and Godsford Cole, who are from the Community Branch of the Jamaica Constabulary Force.
During the 2014 Caribbean Business Meeting held in Jamaica in April, the local law enforcement body was awarded by Bill Buford, the Special Olympics North America’s regional co-ordinator for Law Enforcement Torch Run in the Caribbean, in recognition of its outstanding contribution to supporting SOJ.
At the end of the three-day meeting, the officers staged their first 5k Run/Walk for Special Olympics Jamaica Athletes.
The Special Olympics movement empowers people with intellectual disabilities, promoting acceptance for all, and fostering communities of understanding and respect across the world.
Intellectual disabilities can either be acquired or genetic and can include cases of cerebral palsy, Down’s Syndrome, autism and traumatic brain injury.
Jamaica won international acclaim due to historic achievements at the Special Olympics 2013 World Winter Games in the Republic of Korea.
The tropical country won silver medals in two ice figure skating categories to go with their second-place finish in floor hockey.
The SOJ contingent is expected to be one of the main attractions at the Special Olympics 2015 Summer Games in Los Angeles, United States.
— Sanjay Myers
