TORCH RUN 2005

The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics was first introduced to Taiwan in 1999 and currently enjoys the support and involvement of Taiwan's Police Administration.

On December 17, 2005, 300 Special Olympics athletes formed Unified Sports teams with law enforcement officers from 30 agencies and over 100 police officers led by the Director-General of the Police Administration, Mr Ing-Dan Shieh. The Unified Sports teams gathered together on Hai-Shan Vocational High School's track field to enjoy a wonderful day in the sun.

The opening ceremony was chaired by the Vice Chairman of SOCT Mr Chyun-Maan Chang, with two police officers joining two Special Olympics athletes to pass on the torch symbolizing guardianship of the law enforcement officers. We were honored to have the presence of the Managing Director of SOEA Mr. Yan-Pui Tsin to open the event.

A mini-torch run (ceremonial torch run) took place with 2 police officers and 2 athletes. Then, instead of the traditional torch run, a Bocce competition was held. Bocce is well-known to Special Olympics athletes but was completely new to the law enforcement officers. While the Unified Sports teams competed in 16 different games, several other programs took place on the field. These included the Special Olympics Opening Eyes program and exhibits of police vehicles and other law enforcement apparatus. Not only did the athletes and their families have a great field day with the law enforcement officers, the officers also learned Bocce skills from, and shared laughter with their Unified Sports teammates.

The Special Olympics athletes cherished the awards and cheers that the high-ranking law enforcement officers presented to them. At the closing ceremony, students of the Police Academy staged a very special celebration for the athletes while the Director of the Police Administration presented birthday gifts to the athletes - limited edition police mascot dolls.

TORCH RUN CONFERENCE

After a fun-filled day, the police officers attended a conference on the Torch Run. They learned more about Special Olympics, but more importantly, the shared stories and experiences amongst the Special Olympics athletes, their families, coaches, and senior police officers who had participated in previous Torch Runs clearly showed how Special Olympics changes the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities.

As part of the 2005 Torch Run Conference, Torch Run souvenirs such as t-shirts, pins, patches, etc from different countries were exhibited for the local police officers to exchange and keep. This no doubt added an international flair to the day's event and strengthened the support of the police force.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The partnership between SOCT and the Police Administration is not only growing, but also taking deep roots in Taiwan. To further cultivate the partnership, the Chairman of SOCT Mr. Bai Hsiu-Hsiung looks forward to turning the Torch Run into a regular event for law enforcers all over Taiwan. To complement the goal, outreach campaigns for corporate sponsorship and public participation are underway for the next Torch Run.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS ATHLETES FROM TAIWAN

Established in 1992, Special Olympics Chinese Taipei started promoting the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics in 1999 with the goal of helping people with intellectual disabilities to participate in Special Olympics. Since 2001, with the strong support of the Police Administration and the enthusiasm of many volunteers, nearly 6000 athletes were trained for Special Olympics and participated in regional and international games. As of June 2005, these outstanding athletes have won 100 gold, 75 silvers and 75 bronze medals.