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NIU PD to join in Torch Run from Sycamore to DeKalb Sunday

June 3, 2015
NIU Police Chief Tom Phillips

NIU Police Chief Tom Phillips

Representatives from the Northern Illinois University Police Department will join participants from the DeKalb and Sycamore Police and DeKalb County Sheriff’s Departments in carrying the “Flame of Hope” in the DeKalb County Law Enforcement Torch Run®, scheduled to take place Sunday, June 7, beginning at 3 p.m.

The 7.69 mile run begins at the DeKalb County Courthouse in Sycamore and proceeds past the Sycamore and NIU Police Departments before ending at the DeKalb Police Department located on Lincoln Highway in DeKalb.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run® is the single largest year-round fundraising event benefiting Special Olympics Illinois. The annual intrastate relay and its various fundraising projects have two goals: to raise money and to gain awareness for the athletes who participate in Special Olympics Illinois. The Law Enforcement Torch Run® has raised nearly $28 million over 27 years while increasing awareness of Special Olympics Illinois athletes and their accomplishments.

Torch-RunSpecial Olympics Illinois is a not-for-profit organization offering year-round training and competition in 19 sports for nearly 21,500 athletes with intellectual disabilities and more than 18,500 Young Athletes ages 2-7 with and without intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics programs enhance physical fitness, motor skills, self-confidence, social skills and encourage family support. The first Special Olympics games were held at Soldier Field in July, 1968; the program now is in more than 170 countries.

On Friday, May 29, NIU police joined with DeKalb police for the Cop on the Rooftop promotion at Dunkin’ Donuts, which raised nearly $1400 for Special Olympics Illinois. On July 31, officers will be at the Texas Roadhouse in Sycamore for another fundraiser to benefit Special Olympics.