News Summary
The Shreveport Police Department is hosting its annual Law Enforcement Torch Run on May 2, aimed at supporting the Special Olympics Louisiana. The event includes a proclamation ceremony and a torch run covering ten miles with community cheer stations. This initiative promotes inclusivity and raises awareness for the upcoming Special Olympics State Summer Games in Hammond. Local businesses, including Margaritaville, are supporting the event, urging residents to cheer on the athletes and participate in this enriching community event.
Shreveport – The Shreveport Police Department is set to host the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run on Friday, May 2, in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies and Special Olympics Louisiana. The event is designed to raise awareness and support for the Special Olympics Louisiana State Summer Games, scheduled for May 23-25 in Hammond, Louisiana.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run will commence at 9:45 a.m., with officers carrying the symbolic “Flame of Hope” torch. This year, a joint proclamation ceremony involving the mayors of Shreveport and Bossier City will take place at 10:30 a.m. It will be held at the Caddo Parish District Court, located in downtown Shreveport.
After the ceremony, participating officers will run a total of ten miles. The first three miles will have them carrying the torch, and they will conclude the run at the Walmart Neighborhood Market at 1645 E Bert Kouns Industrial Loop.
To enhance community involvement, several cheer stations will be set up along the route to encourage and support the officers as they run. Community members are invited to line the streets and cheer for their local and state Special Olympics athletes. The estimated times and locations for the cheer stations are as follows:
- Cheer Station #1: Mile 3 at 3300 Youree Drive, estimated time: 11:30 a.m.
- Cheer Station #2: Mile 5 at Broadmoor Baptist Church, 4100 Youree Drive, estimated time: 11:50 a.m.
- Cheer Station #3: Mile 6 at Chili’s Grill & Bar, 6620 Youree Drive, estimated time: 12:05 p.m.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run is part of a statewide effort that includes various law enforcement agencies across Louisiana. The event aims to not only raise funds for the Special Olympics but also to promote the organization’s mission of providing year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
The Summer Games in Hammond are a significant highlight for Special Olympics athletes, providing them with an opportunity to showcase their talents and compete in a supportive environment. Athletes from Shreveport and surrounding areas will participate in a variety of athletic events during the State Summer Games.
This year’s event is proudly sponsored by Margaritaville, further showcasing the commitment of local businesses and organizations to support Special Olympics Louisiana and its athletes.
The Shreveport Police Department encourages all residents to join in the festivities and show their support for the athletes. The enthusiasm from the community plays a critical role in the success of the event, fostering a sense of unity and encouragement for athletes participating in the Summer Games.
In conclusion, the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run on May 2 in Shreveport is set to be an enriching community event, promoting inclusivity, support for local athletes, and awareness of the Special Olympics mission. Everyone is encouraged to participate, whether through running, cheering, or simply spreading the word about the incredible athletes competing in the upcoming State Summer Games.
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Additional Resources
- KSLA News: Shreveport Police Participate in Annual Special Olympics Torch Run
- Wikipedia: Special Olympics
- KTBS News: Flame of Hope to be Carried in Shreveport-Bossier City
- Google Search: Special Olympics Torch Run
- Shreveport-Bossier Advocate: Shreveport Police Special Olympics Torch
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Special Olympics
- KATC News: Cankton Celebrates 5th Annual Courir de Mardi Gras
- Google News: Law Enforcement Torch Run
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
