DJJ and the 2016 Law Enforcement Torch Run

Special Olympics Georgia

  • DJJ/
  • News and Views/
  • Special Olympics Georgia/
  • Special Olympics News

About Me

The Law Enforcement Torch Run is the largest fundraiser for Special Olympics Georgia. In 2016, more than 8,000 athletes from throughout Georgia will participate in one of the State Games and Competitions conducted by Special Olympics Georgia. For a few days, these children and adults with intellectual disabilities will compete in a high quality sports competition, interact with their peers, and experience new places. Participation in the State Games also means these athletes are focusing on a goal, learning new skills, and developing healthy habits that may lead to improved overall health.

Funds raised through the Law Enforcement Torch Run help offset the expenses of State Games and are specifically used for facility rental, housing, meals, sports equipment rental and purchase, officials’ fees, and medals. Your help is vital to the continuation of Special Olympics Georgia!

DJJ Participation

The Department of Juvenile Justice is proud of its partnership with the Special Olympics of Georgia for this year's Law Enforcement Torch Run. On May 20th, DJJ employee supporters and runners came together at Phillips Arena in Atlanta to participate in the final Law Enforcement Torch Run before the start of the 2014 Summer Games held at Emory University. The Phillips Arena to Emory University Torch Run culminated a month's worth of Torch Runs from across Georgia that included the Department of Juvenile Justice in every step. DJJ's Central Office was well represented as Latera Davis, John Smith, Sara Gardner, and Loronda Giddens all took the time to run for Special Olympics.

In addition, the Whitfield Community Services Office/HITS Team participated in a Northwest Georgia Torch Run on May 18th. DJJ representatives including JPM Marcia Pfister, PO II Albert Hill, PO I Jewel Jackson, JPPS III Amy Hall, JPPS II Amber Hayes, and NW Regional Administrator Renee McClanahan walked, ran, and rode the approximately nine miles from the Whitfield County line to the Gordon County line. Other highlights included Whitfield County Sheriff Scott Chitwood carrying the torch and a visit to the Valley Point Elementary School where students lined up in the parking lot to greet the Torch Run participants.

A video of the Whitfield CSO can be seen in the gallery of photos.

Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice