DELAND -- To Special Olympians, it's known as the Flame of Hope. And it's also law enforcement's way of showing its support for a group of very special athletes who are overcoming challenges and inspiring millions around the world. The Annual Law Enforcement Torch Run will reach Volusia on
Wednesday with dual treks on both sides of the county.
A grass-roots fundraiser, the Law Enforcement Torch Run got its start in 1981 as a way to generate money and awareness in support of the Special Olympics. Last year, the Torch Run raised more than $34 million for Special Olympics programs around the world. Here in Florida, more than 300 law
enforcement agencies are taking part in this year's Torch Run.
Law enforcement personnel from throughout Volusia County will be on hand Wednesday to shepherd the torch on its journey across the county, raising funds along they way for the Special Olympics through corporate donations and the sale of special commemorative items such as t-shirts, hats and pins.
Florida's torch started this year's journey on March 29 in Escambia County. The torch's statewide trek is scheduled to end on April 30, just in time for the May 14th kick-off of the two-day competition being held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Kissimmee.
More than 2,100 athletes with developmental disabilities are scheduled to compete in the state's Summer Games in sporting events such as bocce, cycling, soccer, tennis, volleyball and track & field.
The routes for Wednesday's Torch Run in Volusia County are as follows:
East Volusia:
The torch will depart from the Ormond Beach Police Department, 170 W.
Granada Blvd. at 7:30 a.m. and head south on U.S. 1. Along the way, the
torch will make stops at the following locations:
* Publix parking lot, 1850 Ridgewood Ave., Holly Hill
* Shell station, 102 Ridgewood Ave., Daytona Beach
* South Daytona Police Department, 1672 S. Ridgewood Ave.
* Vermillion Furniture parking lot, 3350 S. Ridgewood Ave., Port Orange
* Chevron, 5800 S. Ridgewood Ave., Port Orange (The group will then travel in a vehicle convoy for the 5-mile trip to the New Smyrna Beach Police Department, 1400 N. Dixie Freeway, where the Torch Run will resume.)
* New Smyrna Beach Police Department
* The Torch Run will end at Hawks Park, 1108 S. Ridgewood Ave., Edgewater. A ceremony is scheduled to take place at around noon at the park.
West Volusia:
The torch will depart at 8:15 a.m. from Melching Field at Conrad Park, 555 S. Woodland Blvd., DeLand. The torch will make the 1-mile trek north on Woodland Boulevard to West Indiana Avenue, where it's scheduled to arrive at the county's historic courthouse building in downtown DeLand
at approximately 8:30 a.m.
A brief ceremony will follow.