Law Enforcement Carries Flame Of Hope

SPD photo

Sonora, CA – Local law enforcement helped move the Special Olympics “Flame of Hope” torch closer to its final destination.

To the cheers from onlookers, Sonora Unit CHP Lieutenant Commander Destiny Tafoya carried the torch for the Tuolumne County First Responders team on its leg of the 2019 Special Olympics Northern California Law Enforcement Torch Run. Its final destination is U.C. Davis for the summer games. Several dozen runners ran from the Red Church along Washington Street onto Stockton Road with the run ending at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds. There a lunch was held as a special sendoff for local athletes competing in the games.

With the temperature hitting in the low 90s, Lieutenant Commander Tafoya and Sonora Police Chief VanderWiel were all too happy to participate in the ice water dunk to help raise money for the event.

Donations to the Special Olympics can be made here. Volunteers are also still needed, click here for details. The summer games take place the weekend of June 21-23 begin with the opening ceremonies and dance on Friday night followed by the athletes competing in the track and field, tennis and swimming through Sunday.