Hong Kong , May 15 – Team spirit, endurance and excitement were all in abundance at the 2005 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run, held at Shatin in Hong Kong. Over 1,200 law enforcers runners from seven disciplinary forces - Correctional Services Department, Customs & Excise Department, Fire Services Department, Government Flying Service, Hong Kong Police, Immigration Department, Independent Commission Against Corruption - together with our 200 Special Olympics athletes, took part in this thrilling annual fund raising event. 

The opening ceremony of the torch run was held at 10:00AM on 15 May 2005 at Sha Tin Town Hall Plaza. It was our honor to have Mr. Ambrose Lee, IDSM, JP Secretary for Security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, to officiate at the opening ceremony. Mr Lee, along with the seven disciplinary forces and representatives from the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, conducted the official send off of the 1,400 runners on the 3.5km route. Runners passed through Shatin Park, entered Shing Mun Riverside and ended the run by retracing their steps back to the Plaza.  Needless to say, with supporters cheering them on, excitement could be seen on all the runner’s faces when they reached the finish line.

Thousands of law enforcement officers, joined by Special Olympians and representatives of commercial corporations, have been involved in the Run since 1989.  The fundraising campaign is organized to raise funds to support long-term training and provide opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities to participate in overseas competitions.  This year, we are gearing up for the “2005 Special Olympics East Asia Games”, which will be held in October in Hong Kong. Thanks to everyone’s hard work, 1.1 million HKD (approx. 141,400 USD) was raised this year!