By John Schreiber
The Special Olympics Flame of Hope was carried through Manhattan Beach Monday as the Manhattan Beach Police Department participated in the Law Enforcement Torch Run leading up to this summer's Special Olympic Games in Long Beach June 8th and 9th.
MBPD's Chief Eve R. Irvine, Capt. Derrick Abell and Officer Hank Crossett ran from one end of the city to the other after the torch was handed off to them by the Hermosa Beach Police Department.
“For many years, law enforcement and Special Olympics have enjoyed a wonderful partnership," said Irvine. "This is our way of going above and beyond that relationship by helping to raise public awareness for this amazing organization and the incredible athletes who participate.”
The flame was carried north on Manhattan Avenue from 1st Street, up 15th Street to Highland Avenue, then north to 45th Street before it was handed off to the El Segundo Police Department.
The relay was part of the central leg of the torch run which started in Wilmington on Monday and will travel throughout Los Angeles before returning to Long Beach on Friday, according to the Special Olympics of Southern California's website.
According to the site, when the torch arrives in Long Beach, its flame will be combined with two other torches that have traveled through California to light the cauldron for the 2012 Summer Games.
A video about how law enforcement helps Special Olympics year-round with fundraising can be watched here.
- Previously: Flame of Hope in Manhattan Beach
- Previously: Police Serve It Up for Special Olympics
- Previously: MBPD Breaks 'Tip a Cop' Fundraising Record
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