Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright, Natchitoches Police Chief Nikeo Collins, and Northwestern State University Police Chief Craig Vercher joined Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies, Natchitoches Police Officers, La. State Probation & Parole Agents and Northwestern State University Police Officers in support of the La. Law Enforcement Special Olympics Torch Run in Natchitoches.

 

This is the 40th year of the Torch Run “Flame of Hope” in support of Special Olympics.

 

Just prior to the run, Natchitoches Law Enforcement held a brief prayer service for all fallen law enforcement officers during this National Police Week, honored the United States flag with the Pledge of Allegiance, lit the “Flame of Hope” Torch and dedicated the run in honor of Louisiana State Police Lt. Amanda Fournier, who passed away following a sudden medical event on February 7, 2024.

 

Lt. Fournier, was an advocate and strong supporter of the La. Law Enforcement Special Olympics Torch Run.

 

April Taylor, Vice-President of Development and Marketing with Special Olympics of Louisiana drove from Covington to attend the event in remembrance of her special friend, Lt. Fournier, who lived in Natchitoches.

 

Cpt. Wendy Llorens invited Mr. Leonard King and his son, Michael King, a longtime Special Olympics Athlete for over 20-years to attend the event.

 

Retired Sheriff Victor Jones Jr. purchased Torch Run Shirts for Leonard and Michael.

 

Law Enforcement agencies throughout Louisiana will continue the run and carrying of the “Flame of Hope” Torch until it arrives on the campus of Southeastern University in Hammond.

 

The Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics is an international series of torch relays, run by law enforcement officers leading up to each state or nation’s Special Olympics Summer Games.

 

The Special Olympics Louisiana State Summer Games will be held May 17-19 on the campus of Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond. Officers will carry the torch from all points of the state beginning in May with a series of runs throughout the month. The final leg of the run will take place at Southeastern Louisiana University and conclude at Opening Ceremonies at the Southeastern Track Complex or 7pm. Photo and interview opportunities will be available at the end of the run. All Law Enforcement Torch Run events are open to the public.

 

For more information about this run, the final leg run, or the 2024 State Summer Games please log onto www.specialolympicsla.org.

 

Special Olympics Louisiana’s Law Enforcement Torch Run hosts various fundraising events in all areas of the state year-round.

 

The Law Enforcement Torch Run® is Special Olympics’ largest annual grass roots fund raising and public awareness campaign.

 

This year the Torch Run is celebrating its 40th year. Officers carry the “Flame of Hope” throughout Louisiana and work year-round conducting other fund raising activities for Special Olympics Louisiana. For more information on the Law Enforcement Torch Run or events in your area, visit www.specialolympicsla.org and click Law Enforcement Torch Run.

 

Special Olympics Louisiana (SOLA) is a state-wide, 501(C) 3 non-profit organization that changes lives by promoting understanding, acceptance and inclusion between people with and without intellectual disabilities. SOLA offers year-round programs for 8,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities in all 64 parishes with the help of 6,000 volunteers.

 

Health, education, leadership, family, training and sports programs are available for people beginning at age 2, and there is no upper age limit. There is no cost to participate in Special Olympics. For more information, visit Special Olympics Louisiana at www.specialolympicsla.org. Engage with us on X @SOLouisiana; fb.com/specialolympicslouisiana; youtube.com/SOLouisianaTV, and Instagram.com/specialolympicslouisiana.

 

To all of torch run runners that participated in this mornings Natchitoches Run, Special Olympics of Louisiana thanks you for your service and dedication to Special Olympics and the citizens of Louisiana.