OCHO RIOS, St Ann – Members of the St Ann Police Division and other participants in the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special Olympics were in high spirits after receiving a lit torch from the neighbouring parish of St Mary sometime after 10:00 am on Friday. The handover was made at the border between the two parishes.

The Jamaica Constabulary Force-led LETR campaign began at the Harbour View roundabout and will see law enforcement agencies taking the torch through the JCF’s 19 police divisions.

Deputy superintendent of police for the parish of St Ann, Kevon Chambers, told the Jamaica Observer that his team is elated to be a part of a worthy cause.

“We are very happy to know that we can be in support of such a venture. It is a joy to know that we as citizens would’ve contributed immensely to the Special Olympics,” he said.

Started in the American state of Kansas 40 years ago, the LETR bills itself as the largest public awareness vehicle and grassroots fund-raiser for Special Olympics. Known as Guardians of the Flame, law enforcement members and Special Olympics athletes carry the Flame of Hope into the opening ceremony of local competitions, and into Special Olympics state, provincial, national, regional and World Games.

Locally, the JCF has made a commitment to raising $4 million to help provide resources needed by intellectually challenged Jamaicans competing at the 2023 Games.

“Based on the support we have gotten so far, we have exceeded the target for this parish but we will still be collecting in the town of Ocho Rios today [Friday] and tomorrow [Saturday] before the torch is handed over,” DSP Chambers told the Observer.

Individuals contributed by pledging their preferred amounts or by ‘buying’ miles. Each mile cost $100. On Friday, members of the JCF and other stakeholders milled about the town of Ocho Rios soliciting donations as they raised awareness about the Special Olympics.

The campaign will end with a 5k run/walk slated for the Sunday, July 16 at the Police Officers’ Club.

On Saturday, commanding officer for St Ann, Senior Superintendent of Police Dwight Powell will hand over the torch to Trelawny’s commanding officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police Winston Milton.