SEATTLE – A memorial recognition award will be given to the widow of Sgt. Mark Renninger of the Lakewood Police Department for his involvement in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Washington.
A special ceremony will take place at the Lakewood Police Department where Captain Bryan Keller from the Bothell Police Department and Co-Director of the Law Enforcement Torch Run Campaign for Special Olympics Washington will be recognizing Sgt. Renninger.
Immediately following the recognition ceremony at Lakewood Police Department, hundreds of law enforcement representatives and supporters
along with Mrs. Renninger will carry the “Flame of Hope” to the Special Olympics Washington Opening Ceremonies of the annual Summer Games to be held at Joint Base Lewis McChord.
“We are so honored at Special Olympics to have the men and women in law enforcement on our team. The work they do supports our athletes in year-round competition and truly changes lives,” stated Beth Wojick, CEO of Special Olympics Washington. Wojick will also be in attendance to recognize all law enforcement involved in the Special Olympics movement.
During the Opening Ceremonies the law enforcement officers from each run route will simultaneously light one torch that will be carried by a Special Olympics athlete and law enforcement representative who will then light the official “Flame of Hope” cauldron that watches over the Summer Games.
WHO: Law enforcement personnel running the “Flame of Hope” across Washington.
WHAT: Law enforcement officers from throughout Washington will run and carry torches across the state of Washington containing the “Flame of Hope” in celebration of Special Olympics Washington’s annual Summer Games. The Law Enforcement Torch Run Campaign is an international campaign to raise funds and public awareness for Special Olympics programs. The Campaign in Washington is conducted by hundreds law enforcement officers and raises over half a million dollars annually for Special Olympics Washington.
WHEN/WHERE: Friday, June 4, 2010 at the Lakewood Police Department where all Torches from across the state will culminate and run as a group through the main gate of Joint Base Lewis McChord.
About Special Olympics Washington:
Special Olympics Washington provides year-round sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. By participating in sports, physical fitness and healthcare education programs, Special Olympics Washington athletes increase self-confidence and social skills, improve physical and motor skills, and have better success in leading more productive and independent lives. For more information on daily events go to www.sowa.org
Special Recognition Awarded to Sergeant Mark Renninger of Lakewood Police Department