Westfield Carries The Torch For Special Olympics (Video)

WESTFIELD, NJ — An envoy of police ran through Westfield Friday as participants in the New Jersey Law Enforcement Torch Run, which raises funds to support all the special needs athletes participating in the NJ Special Olympics Summer Games at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ).

The 37th annual run was Friday as law enforcement from all over the state carried the "Flame of Hope" throughout the state and into the games in Ewing, according to Special Olympics NJ.

More than 3,000 officers participated in 26 legs of last year's run, according to Special Olympics NJ. Spectators are invited to watch the flame as it is carried through their town, and to cheer on the officers on their journey.

You can see video of the run through Westfield below:

"Law enforcement officers have been serving Special Olympics New Jersey athletes for over 35 years," Retired Port Authority of NY/NJ Deputy Chief Robert Belfiore said. "As the Director of the Law Enforcement Torch Run, I especially feel privileged to work with these dedicated individuals. This is our opportunity to show the members of our communities the great partnership we have built with Special Olympics New Jersey at one of their most inspiring events."

The "Final Leg" of the run Friday night was at the Summer Games Opening Ceremony. More than 2,500 Special Olympics athletes, their families and fans, gathered at TCNJ in anticipation of Special Olympics New Jersey's largest competition event of the year.

During the games, athletes competed in bocce, gymnastics, powerlifting, softball, swimming, tennis, and track & field. Officers continued to volunteer their time by awarding medals to triumphant athletes.

In addition to the run itself and their participation in the athletes' awards ceremonies, these officers spend months raising funds and awareness for Special Olympics New Jersey at events like the Polar Bear Plunges, Lincoln Tunnel Challenge 5k, Statue of Liberty 5k, United Airlines Plane Pull, The Great Coaster Race, multiple golf outings, and many smaller local events.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics New Jersey is recognized as a leader in fundraising among the many programs around the globe, and in 2018 raised more than $4.1 million for the athletes of Special Olympics New Jersey.

"From training to competition, health resources to leadership opportunities, Special Olympics New Jersey provides all its programs completely free of charge to our community," said Jason Schubert, Senior Director of LETR Initiatives for Special Olympics New Jersey. "And for over 35 years of Special Olympics New Jersey history, law enforcement officers have been supporting these initiatives and raising millions of dollars every year for our athletes."

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