Santa Cruz County Cops Go Big During Special Olympics Torch Run

SANTA CRUZ, CA — Hundreds of law enforcement personnel from all over Northern California are escorting the Special Olympics torch—called the Flame of Hope—throughout their local communities in a relay across Northern California to the 2019 Special Olympics Northern California Summer Games in Davis. On Wednesday, it was Santa Cruz County's turn to carry the flame during the Northern California Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run.

During Wednesday's leg, local police departments that participated included Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Capitola and Scotts Valley. The Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office and local California Highway Patrol also joined, along with the Santa Cruz County Probation, District Attorney’s Office, State Parks, and the Regional 911 Center.

The run is raising thousands of dollars for Special Olympics athletes.

Approximately 770 Special Olympics athletes along with 285 coaches will compete in the 2019 Northern California Summer Games June 21-23, which are the culminating competition for the spring sports season. Athletes from all over Northern California will compete in bocce, swimming, tennis, or track and field.