Special Olympics targets $5m through Torch Run

Rasbert Turner, Gleaner Writer

Executive director of Special Olympics Jamaica, Lorna Bell, said this year's staging is very meaningful as all the uniformed groups have joined to help the association realise its $5 million target, to facilitate the national team's participation in the global championships.

''We feel quite special to have on board the Jamaica Customs, the Jamaica Defence Force, The Department of Corrections, Fire Department and the Jamaica Constabulary Force united for the greater good of the athletes,'' Bell remarked at the launch of the annual Torch Run yesterday, at the Ward Theatre, North Parade, Kingston.

She said there will be 43 athletes, along with 14 officials, making the June 18 trip to Athens, Greece, for the 13th staging of the Special Olympics.

great partnership

Bell said it was a great partnership with the police, who have been supporting the Special Olympians with unbroken service for 13 years, as their members assist them in raising funds via the Torch Run, which takes place throughout the island.

There are 165 member countries that will take part in this year's competition,which is estimated at a cost of $11 million.

Immediately after the launch, an air of urgency was observed in the Cross Roads area where the police and other participants targeted passing motorists. armed with cans and buckets they collected whatever donation they could get.

"The police see the need to support those who have special needs, therefore we continue to support the Special Olympics," said Senior Superintendent of police, James Forbes. "Now that other uniformed groups have come on board, it feels even more special to us.''