The Dalton Police Department is joining police across Georgia to raise money for Special Olympics Georgia (SOGA). The DPD is taking part in the statewide Law Enforcement Torch Run effort to raise money to send Special Olympics athletes to the state games and fund other important parts of SOGA's operation. One can help by purchasing Torch Run hats or running shirts from the DPD or donating through pledges of support for officers who will run in Whitfield County's nine mile Torch Run relay in May. The route takes officers and deputies from downtown Dalton through Whitfield County to the Gordon County line.
The 2015 Law Enforcement Torch Run shirts are neon green dry-fit running shirts with the Law Enforcement Torch Run logo. The hats are available in two styles. One is tan and the other is in green digital camouflage. The hats cost $12 each and the shirts cost $15. The shirts are available in small, medium, large, X-large and 2X-large. Both the hats and shirts are on sale at the Police Services Center at 301 Jones Street.
Each year, the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) is the largest fundraising effort for SOGA. More than 100 law enforcement agencies across the state take part through various fundraisers which culminate with a series of relay runs with the Special Olympics torch. In 2014, the LETR effort raised more than $840,000 in Georgia.
Funds raised through the Torch Run fund many aspects of the Special Olympics operation. Much of that money goes to send athletes to compete in the statewide Special Olympics Games. It costs $85 to send one athlete to one of the state games meets. At these games, children and adults with intellectual disabilities get to compete in high quality sports, interact with peers, and experience new places. Participation in the games means athletes work towards a goal, learn and master new skills, and develop good habits that could improve their health and lives.
Special Olympics Georgia does not receive funds from local, state, or federal funds. SOGA also does not receive United Way funding. Funding for SOGA, which operates competitions year-round for their athletes, comes from donations and fundraising events such as the Law Enforcement Torch Run. Neither Special Olympics athletes nor their families pay fees to compete. More than 26,000 athletes are currently being served by SOGA.
The date has not yet been set for the nine-mile torch run through Whitfield County to the Gordon County line, but it will take place in May. Anyone who wants to sponsor a DPD runner can contact Lt. Jamie Johnson at jjohnson@cityofdalton-ga.gov, or at 706 278-9085, dial 9 and enter extension 175 for more information.