Shreveport police host Torch Run for Special Olympics

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)—Local law enforcement carries the ‘Flame of Hope’ for their annual torch run across Shreveport-Bossier City region to supports the non-profit organization Special Olympics Louisiana (SOLA)

Shreveport police and agencies from across the state participated in the run to bring awareness to the Special Olympics and the upcoming State Summer Games.

The Northwest Area leg of the Louisiana Law Enforcement Torch Run ran today on the East side of the Red River and began their three-mile run through the community.

“It’s important for us as law enforcement officers to help raise awareness for Special Olympics as well as spread the word that people with intellectual disabilities deserve every opportunity that anybody else has,” says Shreveport Police Department Lieutenant Diana Sanchez.

Agencies on the West side of the Red River met at Caddo Parish Correctional Center and ran three miles, and agencies on the East Side and West Side agencies united, running both torches into downtown Shreveport.

“We are the inclusion revolution, and so we’re here to ensure that our special Olympic athletes and people with intellectual disabilities have every opportunity that we have,” says Sanchez.

A Ceremony to include a joint Proclamation from the Mayors of Shreveport and Bossier City was held where runners participated in a seven-mile race through the area ending at the Walmart Supercenter on Bert Kouns Industrial Loop

Runners and volunteers were celebrated with a lunch.