LETR 5K set for Police Officers’ Club on Sunday
AS the 2023 Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) enters its final phase with the 5K run/walk this weekend, Deputy Superintendent of Police Natalie Palmer says progress has been made in raising funds and building awareness about people with intellectual disabilities.
Since last month the LETR for Special Olympics Jamaica (SOJ) has made its way through police divisions across the country, culminating in the 5K which is set to start at the Hope Road-based Police Officers’ Club at 6:00 am on Sunday. “The island runs were very good, and I believe we met our objectives with regards to creating awareness about intellectual disability and raising funds,” Palmer said.
“We thank the persons who participated in all the activities and we trust that next year we can look forward to their support, and also we want to have the support of persons who did not get the opportunity this year,” she noted.
Registration cost for Sunday’s run/walk is $1000 per child and $2,000 per adult.
Globally, the LETR, which is a grass roots fund-raiser for Special Olympics, engages law enforcement agencies in championing acceptance and inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities, starting first within communities.
Over decades, the Torch Run has evolved and encompasses a variety of innovative, fund-raising platforms.
Palmer listed LETR partners Jamaica Constabulary Force; Jamaica Defence Force; Department of Corrections; Jamaica Fire Brigade; Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency; and Jamaica Customs Agency for their unwavering support.
The Special Olympics movement provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
The intellectual disabilities can either be acquired or genetic, and can include cases of cerebral palsy, Down’s syndrome, autism, and traumatic brain injury.
SOJ won 18 medals at last month’s Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin, Germany. The next World Winter Games is slated for Turin, Italy, in early 2025.