Law Enforcement Torch Run Hosted By Bowie Police Department

BOWIE, MD — The Bowie Police Department is hosting the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run this Wednesday at 10 a.m. The 5K run is a campaign to raise money and support athletes participating in the Special Olympics.

Led by members of the city police department, the run will begin at Bowie Plaza, 6908 Laurel Bowie Road, and conclude at the Chick-fil-A parking lot at Bowie Marketplace, 15505 Annapolis Road, Bowie.

The entry fee is $15 and includes one Bowie Torch Run T-shirt. All of the proceeds will benefit the Special Olympics Maryland organization. The event is open to the public and welcomes anyone interested in raising awareness for the athletes of Special Olympics Maryland.

Bowie Police Chief John K. Nesky described the run as a life-changing event. As a state director for the torch run, Nesky said the opportunity to make a difference in others' lives brings him joy.

"When you look at why you become an officer, you look at becoming an officer because you want to make a difference." Nesky said, "You want to help people, you want to make a difference. This is one of those things when you see a huge difference that you've made just being with somebody, spending time with them, getting to know them, and supporting these athletes."

The Law Enforcement Torch Run celebrates its 40th anniversary this year and has grown into the largest fundraising movement for the Special Olympics.

The Special Olympics is a worldwide movement providing athletic opportunities in Olympic-sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The nonprofit organization was founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, sister of President John F. Kennedy and wife of Maryland native Sargent Shriver. Since her passing in 2009, Special Olympics is now led by her son Timothy Shriver as he serves as the chairman of the board.

If you are interested in participating in Wednesday's event, you can register until Wednesday at 9 a.m. There are three ways to register for the event:

• Register at the Bowie Police Department station.
  • 15901 Excalibur RoadBowie, Maryland 20716.
  • Cash and checks (made out to Special Olympics Maryland) are accepted.
• Register the day of the event.
  • Check-in begins at 9:00 a.m. at 6908 Laurel Bowie Road (Bowie Plaza.)
  • Cash, credit card, and checks (made out to Special Olympics Maryland) are accepted.
• Register via Venmo
  • Venmo @SpecialOlympics-Maryland.
  • Please include the following with your entry fee(s):
    • Names of all participants.
    • T-Shirt size.
    • "Bowie Torch Run."

For more information, contact the Bowie Police Department at 240-544- 5700.