KINGSTON, Jamaica – On the heels of Jamaica’s first medal at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, Germany – a silver from Kayanna Kelly in the standing long jump – partners of the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special Olympics kicked off their 2023 fundraising and awareness campaign in Kingston East on Monday.

Led by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), with support from the Jamaica Defence Force, Jamaica Fire Brigade, Department of Correctional Services, Jamaica Customs Agency and the Passport Immigration and Citizenship Agency, the Special Olympics Flame of Hope began its trek across the island from the Harbour View roundabout.

According to a release on Tuesday, the law enforcement agencies, who are known in Special Olympics as the Guardians of the Flame, will take the torch through the JCF’s 19 Divisions in the coming weeks in the lead-up to the 5K Run/Walk slated for 6:00 am on Sunday, July 16 at the Police Officers’ Club.

Birthed out of a need to assist the intellectually challenged in 1986, this year’s event saw Jamaica’s law enforcement agencies partnering once more to raise a minimum of $3,000,000 to support these persons, as well as to raise awareness for the Special Olympics movement.

In her welcome remarks, Commanding Officer for the division, Superintendent Tommilee Chambers promised that “this torch run will be one to remember,” and implored those in attendance to “spread the word to get everyone on board for this special cause.”

Assistant Commissioner of Police Gary McKenzie explained that crime fighting is not the police’s only mission as “giving back to the community is also at the forefront of what we do.”

The Jamaica Fire Brigade’s Acting Commissioner, Julian Davis-Buckle expressed pleasure at being offered an opportunity to be a part of this nation-building opportunity since 2011 and vowed to continue this for years to come.

Major Zavian Phipps, Force Athletics Officer of the Jamaica Defence Force echoed the same sentiments as he stated that “the Jamaica Defence Force is honoured to take part in this collective effort and pledges to offer continued support.”

The Special Olympics gives intellectually challenged individuals a chance to compete in several sporting events.

During the Torch’s journey across the island, persons can support by buying a mile for J$100 or contributing any amount via a Pledge Form.

Registration for the 5K Run/Walk may also be done on the spot or via the Running Events website.