Delaware’s Statewide Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics This Week

Some of the participants in 2014's Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics in Delaware. (Photo credit: Dover Police Department)

The 2016 event is the 30th annual Torch Run, and in its history, Delaware law enforcement will have raised more than $6 million, according to Special Olympics Delaware.

Special Olympics Delaware provides a year-round program of sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities and/or cognitive delays. A family of more than 4,000 volunteers makes this program possible for the more than 3,700 athletes who compete in Special Olympics Delaware, according to the organization.

This year’s Torch Run will be a three-day event, starting in Rehoboth Beach on Wednesday, June 8 at 5: p.m. Long-time supporters of the Torch Run may remember the Bike Prologue. After a decade-long absence, it returns as part of the Torch Run’s 30th Anniversary. The Bike Prologue is open to everyone and all are encouraged to participate.

Live music by Delaware-based band 33 1/3 will lead the gala Torch Run sendoff from the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand at 7 p.m. Wednesday. Runners then lead the Torch out of town with the first mile dedicated to DSP Cpl. Chris Shea, who was killed in a traffic accident. The flame continues to DSP Troop 7 in Lewes where the run stops for the night.

The next day, Thursday, June 9, the Torch will start at 6:30 a.m. at DSP Troop 7 in Lewes, at 7 a.m. at The Circle in Georgetown, and 6 a.m. at Rt. 13 and Rt. 54 in Delmar, and will travel to Milford, Harrington, and Dover where a brief stop will be held at Legislative Hall at 2 p.m., and then continue on to Smyrna and Odessa. The event continues on Friday, June 10 from DSP Troop 9 at 6 a.m., with the Torch proceeding to the Wilmington Police Headquarters in Wilmington for a 9:45 a.m. celebration. The event culminates with a final leg into the University of Delaware Bob Carpenter Center for the official opening of the 2016 Summer Games where the Special Olympics Flame of Hope will be delivered.

Information about the event and maps of the run can be found here.