Torchbearers

Torchbearers
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BY DANA BENSON
Rice News Staff

In May, several
members of the Rice University Police Department visited
Texas towns between Houston and Arlington. They weren’t
there on police business, but they weren’t sightseeing,
either.

The five officers
participated in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special
Olympics. The torch run started May 23 at Rice Stadium and
finished at the University of Texas–Arlington, where
the Special Olympics Texas games were held.

While the five
have long been back at work, there is still an opportunity
to raise money through the torch run. Members of the campus
community can purchase Law Enforcement Torch Run T-shirts
for $10 or make cash donations to Special Olympics Texas.
T-shirts can be purchased and donations can be dropped off
at the Rice University Police Department through Aug. 31.
All money raised goes directly to Special Olympics Texas.

Members of the
Rice police department who participated in the fund-raising
event were Police Chief Bill Taylor and officers Lisa Hieden,
Terry Robinson, Pete Martinez and Les Hulsey. They ran through
such cities as Houston, College Station, Hempstead and Brenham.
Each runner raised about $2,000, according to Taylor.

“We had
more officers participate in the torch run than some departments
that are significantly bigger than we are, and we’re
very proud of that,” Taylor commented.

The Law Enforcement
Torch Run for Special Olympics raises money and awareness
for Special Olympics. Law enforcement officers from every
state and more than 30 countries carry the Flame of Hope
in honor of Special Olympics athletes in their area and
around the world. The torch run is the largest grass-roots
fund-raiser and public-awareness vehicle for Special Olympics.