LAKE HAVASU CITY – The Lake Havasu City Police Department will be spending a few hours at one of our local grocery stores to help raise money for Special Olympics Arizona. The beginning of the Special Olympics program was founded by American Philanthropist Eunice Kennedy Shriver in 1962.
Shriver created summer day camps at her Maryland home for adults and children with intellectual disabilities. The camps highlighted the athlete’s capabilities with sports and physical activities.
Her idea soared, and by 1968, the first International Special Olympics was at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL. A thousand participants showed up to compete in swimming and track and field competitions. In 1975, the competition came to Arizona.
Now known as Special Olympics Arizona (SOAZ), the first one was a one-day track and field event with 20 volunteers and 10 athletes. Currently, the games have expanded to 21 sports and 675 regional competitions, and four statewide competitions.
Their statewide competitions have drawn 21,461 athletes along with 24,743 volunteers per year. Law enforcement is the most powerful supporter of SOAZ.
Their Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR), is when police officers carry a torch which represents the ‘Flame of Hope.’ Throughout the year, officers from all over the state of Arizona dedicate their time and compassion to making sure that SOAZ athletic competitions continue to thrive.
This October, the police officers of Lake Havasu will be assisting grocery store shoppers while earning tips for their help. Havasu law enforcement will be helping customers pump gas and bag groceries while promoting this special cause.
The Tip A Cop fundraising event will be taking place on Saturday, October 11 from 2 to 6 p.m. at Smith’s Food and Drug store. In Arizona alone, police officers have raised over $1 million per year which goes directly back to making more opportunities for SOAZ athletes to compete.
Their competitions are intended to bring out the capabilities of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Visit Special Olympics Arizona | Explore Capabilities to learn more about the organization’s upcoming athletic competitions.
Phaedra Veronique
