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The Rhode
Island Torch Run Committee promotes greater
opportunities for persons with mental retardation and
shows the community at large the true meaning of sport
and pure joy in life.
The Torch
Run Committee raises funds and promotes awareness of the
Special Olympics movement statewide.
To achieve
its mission, the Committee seeks out resources and
support from the greater Rhode Island Police, Fire and
Corrections community to further its objectives. The
Committee will also work hand in hand with the Special
Olympics Rhode Island staff, the Special Olympics Rhode
Island Board of Directors, and the athletes and their
families to identify short and long-term goals as well
as plan for the future.
What is
the Torch Run:
The Torch Run is not a road race, it is a series of
torch relays in which police, fire and correctional
officers will carry the "Flame of Hope" to the opening
ceremonies of the Special Olympics Rhode Island State
Summer Games.
Logistics:
There are 5 legs in the Torch Run. Legs begin
in Woonsocket and Glocester at about 10:00 a.m. and come
together at the State House in providence. The
East Bay leg leaves from East Providence at 1:00 p.m.
and continues through each of the towns on the East Bay.
The East Bay leg converges with the Providence leg on
Rte. 138 in South Kingstown, where runners from
Westerly, Charlestown and South Kingstown all meet up
for the final leg. The final leg is a 5 mile run
down Rte. 138 and into Meade Stadium at URI at
Approximately 8:20 p.m.
Why:
To raise awareness of the Special Olympics Rhode
Island State Summer Games at The University of Rhode
Island (traditionally held first weekend after Memorial
Day)
Fundraising:
Year--round events sponsored by various departments
to raise money and awareness of Special Olympics RI.
Events include spaghetti dinners, motorcycle run,
bowl-a-thon, penguin plunge, Harley Davidson raffle and
much, much more. Money is also raised through
sponsorships of the events and t-shirts sales.
The Torch Run
has become the biggest fundraiser for Special Olympics
Rhode Island. Monies raised account for about 14% of the
Special Olympics yearly budget.
For more
information on the Torch Run, please call Tracy
Garabedian at the Special
Olympics office at (401) 823-7411. |
